There has been a well-documented increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients under 50 years of age. Additionally, these patients present with later-stage cancer at diagnosis compared to their over-50 counterparts. However, there is limited consensus on how the impact of this evolving epidemiology should impact existing prevention and screening tools. Recently proposed strategies include increased genetic testing, improved young patient awareness through targeted media campaigns, and initiatives to increase clinical suspicion in primary care providers. Prevention is further complicated by nuances of treating colorectal cancer in the younger population, with underexplored concerns regarding fertility, sexual health, financial impact, and extended post-treatment surveillance. This review aims to summarize the changing epidemiology of colorectal cancer in young patients, overview existing screening guidelines, and discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding prevention of early-onset colon cancer.
已有充分证据表明，50岁以下人群结直肠癌发病率呈上升趋势。与50岁以上患者相比，年轻患者在确诊时往往已处于癌症更晚期阶段。然而，关于这种流行病学变化应如何影响现有预防和筛查策略，目前尚未形成明确共识。近期提出的应对方案包括加强基因检测、通过定向媒体宣传提升年轻群体认知度，以及提高基层医疗工作者的临床警惕性。年轻群体结直肠癌防治的复杂性还体现在治疗过程中的特殊考量，包括对生育功能、性健康、经济负担及长期治疗后监测等尚未充分重视的问题。本文旨在综述年轻患者结直肠癌流行病学变化趋势，梳理现有筛查指南，并探讨早发性结肠癌防治面临的挑战与机遇。
Challenges and Opportunities for Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Young Patients
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家