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Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673
As colorectal cancer rates rise among younger populations, UT Southwestern is committed to delivering the highest standard of care for early-onset cases.
Our team of specialists collaborates closely to provide individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of these patients.
What Is Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?
Early-onset colorectal cancer refers to colorectal cancer that occurs in people younger than 50. Many younger patients are diagnosed at a later stage, making treatment more challenging.
The incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations is rising, with significant numbers of patients being diagnosed in their 40s, 30s, and even 20s. This shift indicates that colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease of older adults.
At UT Southwestern, patients benefit from a nationally ranked cancer program, where expert colorectal cancer specialists work together to deliver cutting-edge care in a supportive environment. Our team’s collaborative approach ensures that every patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
What Are the Causes of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?
The exact causes are not fully understood. While a small percentage of cases are linked to known genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome, most patients do not have these genetic markers.
Certain factors may play a role in the development of the disease, including:
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet, smoking, and decreased activity
- Environmental factors, such as pollution
- Changes in the microbiome (the community of microorganisms in the body)
- Chronic inflammation
- Epigenetic changes
More research is needed to fully understand the contributing factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?
The most common symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer are:
- Fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia)
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Changes in bowel habits
People may also experience bloating, appetite loss, and weight loss.
These symptoms might be sporadic, with patients experiencing symptoms such as bleeding that can start and stop over time.
It’s important for people not to ignore these symptoms, especially younger people who might not expect to have cancer.
How Is Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
UT Southwestern physicians use a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and imaging studies to diagnose early-onset colorectal cancer.
Screening for colorectal cancer traditionally began at age 50, but due to increasing cases in younger people, doctors now recommend beginning at 45. However, people with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (small tissue growths that form in the lining of the colon or rectum) may need to start screening sooner to catch the disease at its earliest stages.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer. During this procedure, the doctor can directly visualize the colon and rectum, removing polyps and performing biopsies on any suspicious areas if necessary.
Other diagnostic tools include:
- Fecal tests: Stool-based tests, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool DNA tests, help detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA, indicating the possible presence of cancer or polyps.
- Imaging studies: Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, or other imaging techniques may be used to visualize the colon and surrounding tissues.
How Is Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Treated?
We understand that patients with early-onset colorectal cancer face unique struggles, requiring compassionate and individualized care.
Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. It may include:
- Surgery, either using an open (conventional) or minimally invasive or laparoscopic technique
- Chemotherapy, medication that kills cancer cells
- Radiation therapy, the transmission of high-energy rays that destroy cancer cells near the rectum before surgery
- Immunotherapy, medication that enhances the ability of a patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells
- Targeted therapy, medications that target specific mutations in cancer cells that are not found in normal cells
Younger patients may tolerate more aggressive treatment regimens better than older patients. We work with patients to help ensure that their treatment plan is both effective and manageable.
Multidisciplinary Care
Each patient’s case is reviewed at a weekly meeting of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists who focus on colorectal cancer. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s care is considered and optimized.
Genetic Counseling
All patients are referred to a genetic counselor to discuss their family history. The counselor may recommend additional testing to determine if there is an inherited risk for colorectal cancer. The results of this testing could influence the patient’s treatment plan, follow-up care, and screening for other cancers, and may also indicate that family members need to be screened.
Fertility Concerns
It’s crucial to address fertility concerns before treatment, as certain surgeries and radiation therapies can compromise reproductive functions. Patients may need to explore fertility preservation options as part of their treatment planning.
What Support Services Are Available for Patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer?
We recognize the unique challenges faced by younger patients with colorectal cancer, including financial concerns, the impact of treatment on their families, and future fertility.
We provide a range of support services for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer, including:
- A dedicated colorectal cancer navigator to help patients stay informed and empowered throughout the treatment process
- A social worker to help with financial and psychosocial issues
- Referrals to services such as nutrition, genetics, and psychosocial support
Additionally, our Young Adult Cancer Support Group connects patients through meetings and social events. It’s led by young adult cancer survivors and our team of social workers.
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Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
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