Colorectal cancer incidence up threefold among patients in their 30s
Since 2000, colorectal cancer incidence has fallen overall but risen among 30–49-year-olds.
A tripling of colorectal cancer incidence among patients in their 30s may relate to gut microbiome changes linked to environmental factors such as antibiotic exposure and obesity, Australian experts say.
Colorectal cancer incidence in those aged 30-39 rose from 6.5 per 100,000 people to 18.9 between 2000 and 2025, new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data show, while the incidence also rose in those aged 40-49.
This was despite colorectal cancer incidence in those aged 50 and older falling by 35% over the past 25 years.Â
Associate Professor Daniel Buchanan told AusDoc that colorectal cancer had become the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients aged under 45.
