Colon cancer diagnoses and deaths are spiking among Americans under 50. Here’s what to know.

Colon cancer diagnoses and deaths are alarmingly increasing among Americans under 50, with recent data from the American Cancer Society indicating this trend is expected to continue. The disease, now the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, is notably preventable through routine screenings, yet approximately 60 million Americans are not up-to-date with their screenings. The rise in colon cancer incidence among adults under 50 from 1995-2020 has led the American Cancer Society to recommend that those at average risk start screening at age 45. This cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, with a higher likelihood of development and death compared to other groups. Jamal Mashburn, a former professional basketball player whose mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, is advocating for increased awareness and screenings, particularly urging younger people not to wait until they are older to be concerned about their risk. Through the “Box Out Colon Cancer” campaign, Mashburn and partners aim to emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention, underscoring that taking preventive health measures is not just for the individual but also for their loved ones.

Source: AP News