In recent years, an increasing number of people aged 50 and younger have been diagnosed with colon cancer. While many health organizations don't recommend regular screenings until age 50 and beyond, the median age for colon cancer patients is steadily decreasing. In the '80s, the median age for colon cancer patients was 72. By 2016, it had dropped to 66.
Despite these findings, colon cancer diagnoses have actually decreased among patients among 65 and older. Some scientists believe this is caused by increased screenings. However, screenings are still not recommended for younger patients, making them more vulnerable to the disease. A doctor who fails to catch the symptoms in time might be charged with a failure to diagnose.
Some scientists believe that the increased rates of colon cancer are partially caused by the obesity epidemic. Diet can play a factor in the development of certain cancers, but scientists believe that it's not the sole cause. In any case, these findings suggest that more doctors should start screening their patients before the age of 50. Over 50,000 people die from colon cancer every year in the United States, and the number is predicted to rise.