[Early-onset Colorectal Cancer].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing in young adults globally, including the United States.
• Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) presents distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics compared to CRC in older individuals.
• EO-CRC patients are often diagnosed at later stages with symptomatic disease, predominantly in the distal colon and rectum, exhibiting poorer histological features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the distinct nature of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) compared to late-onset CRC.
• To emphasize the need for identifying high-risk populations for appropriate screening of EO-CRC.
• To advocate for the development of tailored screening and treatment strategies for EO-CRC through further research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) characteristics.
• Analysis of clinical, pathological, and molecular presentations of EO-CRC.
• Examination of survival data and treatment approaches for younger patients with EO-CRC.

Main Results:

• EO-CRC exhibits a unique molecular profile, frequently showing microsatellite and chromosome stable pathways.
• Survival data for EO-CRC is conflicting, with younger patients often receiving more aggressive treatments.
• In Korea, both EO-CRC and late-onset CRC have declined, potentially due to increased screening colonoscopies in younger populations.

Conclusions:

• Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) requires specific attention due to its distinct presentation and rising incidence.
• Further investigation into molecular mechanisms and environmental risk factors is essential for advancing EO-CRC screening and treatment.
• Continued observation and analysis of EO-CRC trends, particularly in regions like Korea, are necessary for public health strategies.