Early-Onset of Colorectal Cancer on the Rise in Western States
Historically, Western states such as California, Washington, Colorado, have tended to have the lowest overall rates of CRC as they are generally known for healthier lifestyles. However, recent research linking sedentary lifestyle, including prolonged daily TV watching, “might suggest hypotheses about the cause of alarming increases in early-onset colorectal cancer.”
This recent article from Medpage Today also reviews that in addition to known risk factors for early-onset CRC such as obesity, smoking, inactivity, all of the following are being looked at as potential causes of early-onset CRC:
- Alterations in the gut microbiome
- Consuming highly processed foods
- High glycemic load carbohydrates
- Increase in antibiotic use
- Food additives (high fructose corn syrup and emulsifiers)
- Non-nutritive sweeteners
Rebecca L. Siegel, MPH, of the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, and colleagues ‘suggest that early life exposures in addition to the usual suspects may be contributing to the rise in early onset disease’ and that lower baseline rates in western states may have contributed to these relatively rapid increases.
If you would like to understand your risk and ways to reduce risk, please come see our team of professionals including a skilled Gastroenterologist, Nurse Practitioner, Dietitian, Behavioral Coach, and Physical Therapist/Fitness Consultant. Call 224.407.4400 or visit our website at www.compgihealth.com to request an appointment today!