Most patients aged 21 and under had stage III–IV colorectal cancer — ScienceDaily

In San Diego, United States, a study was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference showing that most patients aged 21 or younger at the time of colorectal cancer diagnosis already had stage III or IV disease. This was reported by ScienceDaily.

Study of 84 patients

The authors analyzed the medical records of 84 patients under the age of 21 who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2012–2023. Only 20% had a family history of the disease among first- or second-degree relatives.

Despite the absence of such a history in most participants, most of them had already reached stage III or IV cancer at the time of diagnosis. The researchers noted that colorectal cancer in adolescents and young people may differ from the disease diagnosed in older patients, including by having a more aggressive course.

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Symptoms that may go unnoticed

The authors listed possible signs of the disease as pain in the lower back or abdomen, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. Since colorectal cancer remains rare among younger patients, these symptoms may not immediately raise suspicion of cancer.

Recurrences and mortality

More than one-third of the study participants subsequently experienced a recurrence of the disease, and nearly half died. According to the researchers, delays in diagnosis together with aggressive tumor behavior may contribute to unfavorable long-term outcomes.

The authors called for unexplained weight loss and rectal bleeding in younger patients to be taken seriously. They also emphasized the need to coordinate care between pediatric and adult medical teams and to develop individualized treatment plans.