For the first time in 20 years: a rise in colorectal cancer incidence

For the first time in 20 years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer incidence among people aged 50 and over. A new study reveals a rise from 36 to 38 cases per 100,000 people in 2023, after a long-term decline. Researchers are examining new risk factors and emphasizing the importance of screening tests.

For the first time in two decades, researchers have identified a concerning increase in colorectal cancer rates among people aged 50 and over. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence reveals that after a long-term decline in incidence, 2023 saw a rise from 36 to 38 cases per 100,000 people – a 4% jump in one year. The increase was observed in both men and women and in early and advanced stages of the disease. One hypothesis is the "birth cohort effect," suggesting that people born in the 1960s are more vulnerable for reasons not yet clarified. Researchers rule out the possibility that the rise is solely due to diagnostic delays during the COVID-19 period. Known risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and a diet rich in processed meat, but the study did not determine if these explain the increase. Experts emphasize the importance of periodic screening tests for early detection.