Characteristics and symptomatology of colorectal cancer in the young

Mary Kate Skalitzky, Peige P. Zhou, Paolo Goffredo, Kristina Guyton, Scott K. Sherman, Irena Gribovskaja-Rupp, Imran Hassan, Muneera R. Kapadia, Jennifer E. Hrabe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer in patients <50 years has rapidly risen recently. Understanding the presenting symptoms may facilitate earlier diagnosis. We aimed to delineate patient characteristics, symptomatology, and tumor characteristics of colorectal cancer in a young population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating patients <50 years diagnosed between 2005 and 2019 with primary colorectal cancer at a university teaching hospital. The number and character of colorectal cancer–related symptoms at presentation was the primary outcome measured. Patient and tumor characteristics were also collected. Results: Included were 286 patients with a median age of 44 years, with 56% <45 years. Nearly all patients (95%) were symptomatic at presentation, with 85% having 2 or more symptoms. The most common symptoms were pain (63%), followed by change in stool habits (54%), rectal bleeding (53%), and weight loss (32%). Diarrhea was more common than constipation. More than 50% had symptoms for at least 3 months before diagnosis. The number and duration of symptoms were similar in patients older than 45 compared to those younger. Most cancers were left-sided (77%) and advanced stage at presentation (36% stage III, 39% stage IV). Conclusion: In this cohort of young patients with colorectal cancer, the majority presented with multiple symptoms having a median duration of 3 months. It is essential that providers be mindful of the ever-increasing incidence of colorectal malignancy in young patients, and that those with multiple, durable symptoms should be offered screening for colorectal neoplasms based on symptoms alone.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1137-1143
Number of pages7
JournalSurgery (United States)
Volume173
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

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