Latest news with #colorectalCancer
Medical News Today
09-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Why are colorectal, other GI cancers on the rise in younger people?
Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for all types of cancer, with most cases being diagnosed in people over the age of in people under 50, there has been a rapid, worldwide increase in cancers of the digestive system, or gastrointestinal still far less common than in older people, early-onset colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and the second in women, in the United exact cause is unknown, but the authors of a new review published in the British Journal of Surgery suggest that obesity, a Western-style diet, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and even exposure to microplastics, may all be contributing to the study, published in Nature Medicine, has further estimated that, without early intervention, as many as 15.6 million gastric cancer cases may occur in the next few decades, most of which, are attributable to infection with a common bacterium, Helicobacter risk of all types of cancer increases with age, with, according to the National Institutes of Health, more than 1 in every 100 people over the age of 60 being diagnosed with in recent years, there has been a worrying increase in cancers of the digestive system — known as gastrointestinal or GI cancers — in people under the age of 50, and experts have yet to identify a reason.A new analysis of studies notes that between 2010 and 2019 early-onset colorectal cancers increased by 14.8% in the United States, and rates are increasing comprehensive review, which is published in The British Journal of Surgery, suggests that, while the exact cause is unknown, environmental factors, diet and lifestyle, may be responsible for the Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, not involved in the review, suggested some possible reasons for the rise in early-onset GI cancers.'While the increase in obesity is associated with a major increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, the majority of patients are not obese, do not have a family history or any other obvious risk factors,' Bilchik told Medical News Today.'This suggests that other factors such as the environment, lifestyle, diet (processed food and red meat), lack of exercise and stress may all negatively affect the trillions of bacteria in our bodies (the microbiome) as well as our immune system creating a proinflammatory response which has been linked to the development of early onset cancers.' – Anton Bilchik, MD, PhDGreatest rises in colon and rectal cancersThe researchers note that early-onset cancers of the colon and rectum had increased the most. People born in 1990 are more than twice as likely to develop colon cancer, and more than four times as likely to develop cancer of the rectum than those born in identified global increases in colorectal cancers. A study of 20 European countries showed that between 2004 and 2016, colorectal cancers had increased by almost 8% for those aged 20–29, almost 5% for people aged 30–39, and by 1.6% in the 40–49 age band. Even more shocking are figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wonder database in the U.S., which identified a 333% increase in the incidence of colorectal cancers among 15-19 year olds and a 185% increase among people aged between 20 and 24. Despite these apparently huge percentage increases, the authors emphasize that the absolute numbers of cancer diagnoses are still very much lower in those under 50 than in older the researchers on this study highlight the need for targeted awareness and interventions, particularly among younger age concurred, commenting that: 'Public awareness that GI cancer is now the leading cause of [cancer-related] deaths in males under age 50 and the second leading cause in women is essential. The US Preventative Task Force has already reduced the screening age to 45. Given the disproportionate increase in blacks and Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites, the screening age may need to be further reduced to 40.'Can experts explain the increase in colorectal cancers?'Though the rates of colorectal cancer are rising fastest in the youngest age groups — ages 15-24 — the absolute number of cases in this age group is relatively low compared to those aged 40-49, which makes it challenging to isolate risk factors specific to this younger group,' joint first author of the review Sara K. Char, MD, Clinical Oncology Fellow at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Mass General Brigham Hospital, told MNT. 'Several factors, including obesity, excessive alcohol intake, intake of a Western-pattern diet, sedentary lifestyle, and consuming sugar-sweetened beverages have been associated with increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer,' Char suggested.'Other factors, such as exposure to microplastics and changes in the gut microbiome have also been implicated,' she told us. 'However, we know that not all patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have these risk factors. Ongoing research efforts are needed to better understand these rising trends.' Gastric cancers preventable by stopping bacterial infectionAnother recent study, led by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Lyon, France, and published in Nature Medicinearound the same time as the comprehensive review, found a link between gastric cancers and infections with a common study was concerned with preventable gastric cancers, and it analyzed data from participant cohorts across 185 countries, focusing on individuals born in 2008– researchers concluded that an estimated 15.6 million gastric cancer cases are likely to develop among people from these birth these cases, a staggering 76% are attributable to infections with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which are very common but also according to the study authors, highlights the need of implementing education and preventive strategies addressing this cause for gastric cancer can be done to prevent colorectal cancers?While the reason for the rise in colorectal cancer cases are less clear, experts argue that perhaps, for now, the focus should be on early detection, to allow more effective the same time, Nilesh Vora, MD, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, also not involved in the research discussed, attributed the decrease in colorectal cancers in older people to the 'widespread adoption of colonoscopies for screening.'He told MNT that: 'Finding precancerous lesions is one way to decrease the risk of colon cancers. Could this be done in younger patients? Potentially. The recommended screening age has decreased from 50 to 45, and perhaps an argument could be made to lower screening ages even further.'Still, while emphasizing that screening guidelines relate only to asymptomatic individuals and that anyone with symptoms such as blood in stool, pain, or changes in bowel habits should see their doctor, Char explained:'In the United States, individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer are recommended to start screening at age 45. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous colorectal polyps should start at either age 40 or 10 years prior to the age of the affected family member, whichever is sooner. It is important for younger adults to talk to their families and understand their familial risk.''Research is ongoing to determine how to tailor screening programs to even younger individuals most at risk for developing early-onset colorectal cancer,' she for lifestyle changes that may help reduce a person's risk of colorectal cancer, Char advised that:'Many generally healthy behaviors can reduce one's risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, limiting red meat consumption, treating vitamin D deficiency, and staying physically active. We generally recommend 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise at least five times a week.'
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exact Sciences Announces Medicare Coverage for Oncodetect™ Molecular Residual Disease Test in Colorectal Cancer
MADISON, Wis., July 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exact Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: EXAS), a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, today announced that its Oncodetect™ molecular residual disease (MRD) test has received Medicare coverage through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Molecular Diagnostic Services Program (MolDX) for serial use in patients with stage II, III and resectable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) in the adjuvant and recurrence monitoring settings over a five-year period. The final LCD can be found here, and the billing and coding article here, from CMS. This marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to transform cancer treatment through earlier detection and more personalized care. Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer is a step forward to address the more than three million Americans eligible for MRD testing across multiple solid tumors.1 The highly sensitive, tumor-informed assay empowers oncologists and patients with insights during critical moments throughout treatment. The Oncodetect test tracks up to 200 ctDNA variants and can identify signs of cancer recurrence up to two years earlier than imaging alone.2 "Gaining Medicare coverage for the Oncodetect test is a meaningful step forward in expanding access to earlier, more personalized insights for patients with colorectal cancer," said Brian Baranick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Precision Oncology at Exact Sciences. "This decision underscores the clinical value of our MRD test and reinforces Exact Sciences' leadership in advancing tools that support timely, informed treatment decisions." The Oncodetect test is supported by robust clinical validation studies, including Beta-CORRECT—Exact Sciences' largest MRD clinical study to date—which confirms the test's prognostic power across stages II-IV CRC3, and Alpha-CORRECT, one of the longest-followed MRD cohorts for CRC recurrence. Its integration with the ExactNexus™ technology platform enables seamless ordering alongside other Exact Sciences Precision Oncology solutions. Exact Sciences is pursuing additional Medicare coverage across other solid tumor indications, building on this momentum to bring the benefits of MRD testing to more patients. For more information, visit About the Oncodetect test Developed by Exact Sciences, the Oncodetect test is a tumor-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) test designed to provide a personalized approach to detecting and monitoring residual cancer in patients with solid tumors. By leveraging the company's expertise in whole exome sequencing, the Oncodetect test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed into the bloodstream by tumors, offering critical insights into changes in ctDNA levels over time. This quantitative assessment of ctDNA (measured as MTM/mL) helps healthcare providers better understand a patient's MRD status and make informed treatment decisions4. About Exact Sciences Corp. A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS) helps patients and health care providers make timely, informed decisions before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. The company's growing portfolio includes well-established brands such as Cologuard® and Oncotype DX®, along with innovative solutions like Oncodetect™ for molecular residual disease and recurrence monitoring. Exact Sciences continues to invest in a robust pipeline of advanced cancer diagnostics aimed at improving outcomes. For more information, visit follow @ExactSciences on X, or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook. Oncodetect and Oncotype DX are trademarks of Genomic Health, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exact Sciences. Cologuard and Exact Sciences are trademarks of Exact Sciences Corporation. Oncodetect is only available in the United States. References Data source on file. Diergaarde B, Young G, Hall DW, Mazloom A, Costa G, Subramaniam S, Palomares M, Garces J, Baehner FL, Schoen RE; and other members of the Exact Sciences MRD Group. Circulating tumor DNA as a marker of recurrence risk in Stage III colorectal cancer: The α‐CORRECT study. Journal of Surgical Oncology. Hashimoto et. al: The Association of ctDNA with Recurrence in Patients with Stage II-IV Colorectal Cancer: The ꞵ-CORRECT study. Presented at ASCO 2025. Internal product profile of the Oncodetect test. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding our expectations for the commercialization of the Oncodetect test and the performance of the Oncodetect test in a commercial setting. Risks and uncertainties that may affect our forward-looking statements are described in the Risk Factors sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Allison Barry+1 980-297-1957abarry@ Investor Contact Derek Leckow+1 608-893-0009investorrelations@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Medscape
03-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Ileal Resection Tied to Higher CRC Risk in Crohn's Disease
TOPLINE: Patients with Crohn's disease who undergo terminal ileum resection have a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal polyps than those who do not undergo resection. METHODOLOGY: Up to 70% of patients with Crohn's disease undergo ileocecal resection, which increases colonic bile acid flux exposure and potentially promotes induction of tumorigenic pathways. However, the direct impact of terminal ileum resection on CRC risk in Crohn's disease remains uncertain. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study (2005-2024) using U.S. electronic health record data from adults with Crohn's disease to assess the association between terminal ileum resection and CRC risk. The primary outcome was the risk for CRC in patients with and without terminal ileum resection. Secondary outcomes included the risk for CRC based on biologics use and colonic involvement, and risk for benign colonic polyps. TAKEAWAY: Researchers included 13,617 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent terminal ileum resection (mean age, 39.5 years; 51.3% female) and an equal number of matched controls without resection. Terminal ileum resection was associated with a significantly higher risk for CRC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.58; P < .001), which was consistent in both men (aHR, 4.23; P < .001) and women (aHR, 2.43; P < .01). Elevated CRC risk persisted regardless of colonic involvement (P < .01). CRC risk did not significantly differ between patients who received biologic therapy and those who were biologic naive. Patients with resection also had a higher risk for nonmalignant colonic polyps (aHR, 1.11; P < .01), which was consistent in both men and women (P < .01 for both). IN PRACTICE: "Our findings highlight the need to reassess CRC surveillance strategies in patients with [Crohn's disease] post-[terminal ileum] resection. While current guidelines focus on inflammation-related risk, our results suggest that surgical history itself is an independent risk factor," the authors concluded. SOURCE: This study was led by Inas Mikhail, MD, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, and Omar Al Ta'ani, MD, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was published online in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design may introduce biases related to reporting, selection, and follow-up. Residual confounding factors may have persisted despite propensity score matching. Due to a lack of data on bile acid profile and inflammatory burden, it could not be determined whether dysregulation of bile acids was directly involved in CRC risk. DISCLOSURES: This study authors reported no specific funding or conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Medscape
23-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Which Second-Line Therapy Is Better for Right-Sided CRC?
TOPLINE: Continuing anti-VEGF therapy plus chemotherapy in the second-line setting led to a small but nonsignificant increase in overall survival in patients with right-sided, RAS/RAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to patients who received anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy plus chemotherapy. METHODOLOGY: Despite limited evidence, guidelines recommend anti-EGFR therapy plus chemotherapy in the second line for patients with RAS/RAF wild-type, right-sided tumors who did not previously receive anti-EGFR therapy. To assess whether this is the best option, the current study compared the effectiveness of continuing chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF in the second-line or using anti-EGFR plus chemotherapy. Researchers used electronic health record data from 280 community oncology clinics in the US. The analysis included 444 patients (median age, 65 years) with RAS/RAF wild-type, right-sided metastatic CRC who received first-line chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy, followed by second-line anti-VEGF therapy (n = 269) or anti-EGFR therapy (n = 175) with chemotherapy. Researchers then compared overall survival in these two groups. TAKEAWAY: Compared with the anti-VEGF therapy group, the anti-EGFR therapy group demonstrated a nonsignificant increased risk for death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; P = .10). The median overall survival was 15.3 months with anti-VEGF therapy vs 12.0 months with anti-EGFR therapy. The findings were consistent with first-line trial results, showing nonsignificant worse overall survival with anti-EGFR vs anti-VEGF therapy in right-sided tumors (HR, 1.09). IN PRACTICE: Among patients with RAS/RAF wild-type, right-sided metastatic CRC who received first-line chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy, these findings 'provide some evidence for continuing anti-VEGF therapy in the second line, although the result was not statistically significant,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study, led by Nishwant Swami, MD, MPH, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, was published online in JAMA Network Open. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by possible unmeasured confounding factors and had limited statistical power due to the relatively small proportion of mCRC cases that were right-sided and RAS/RAF wild-type. DISCLOSURES: No funding information was provided for this study. Several authors reported receiving grants and personal fees and having other ties with various sources. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colorectal cancer isn't an 'old person's disease,' advocates warn. A stage 4 cancer survivor shares 5 things you should never do if you want to avoid the disease
Colorectal cancer is a serious health risk for many Canadians — including people under age 50. More than 25,200 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada last year. Now, advocates want all provinces and territories to lower the screening age for the disease to 45. "Our objective is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms just because of their age and that they are aware of their family medical history and risk level, as we call on our provincial and territorial health ministries to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer throughout the country to 45," Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, explains in a press release on Tuesday. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. The non-profit adds that colorectal cancer might be perceived as an "old person's disease," but shares that early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise and that cancer doesn't care about your age. Most new cases still occur in people age 50 and above, but Canadians born after 1980 are two to two-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to earlier generations. According Colorectal Cancer Canada, 26 people die from the illness everyday on average, with around 69 people receiving a diagnosis daily. For 2024, it was estimated that 9,400 Canadians died from colorectal cancer, making up 11 per cent of all cancer deaths last year. Colorectal cancer cancer grows more slowly than some other cancer and can stay in the colon or rectum for months or even years. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, but if found early, colorectal cancer can often be cured. This is why Stein points out that colorectal cancer can be preventable through lifestyle choices, awareness of symptoms and early screening. In 1995, while juggling the demands of his legal career, Stein began noticing various concerning symptoms. Those included blood in his stool, migraines, abdominal pain and nausea, which he dismissed as related to stress. "I was turning 41 at the time and had no idea what cancer even was," Stein recalls in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada. "People didn't say that word so much in 1995, let alone colorectal cancer. These were symptoms that came and went, so I ignored them." It wasn't until he finally had a fecal occult blood test and colonoscopies that the diagnosis hit: Stage IV colorectal cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs. Still, Stein stresses a person's health doesn't have to get to this point; he shares five things Canadians should and shouldn't do to help prevent colorectal cancer. Unexplained changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should never be symptoms you ignore. These signs might also be linked to other gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcers, Crohn's disease or hemorrhoids, according to the Colorectal Cancer Canada website. That means "just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have colon cancer," Stein adds. "But they are a reason to be checked out." Regular screenings are important because colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, or growths in the colon or rectum. Catching and removing these polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Starting at age 50, you should undergo routine fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Even though everybody has the right to get screened starting at age 50, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer states the "screening participation rate across the country is still below the national target of 60 per cent." Despite this, Colorectal Cancer Canada highlights that the screening guidelines have effectively reduced cancer rates in those over age 50, demonstrating their life-saving potential. However, there is a rise in cases among younger adults, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, Stein notes. These individuals are often diagnosed at a later stage because they are not getting screened and health-care professionals may not suspect cancer at a young age. If you're under 50 and experiencing related symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to start screening early. "Speak to your doctor about your personal testing plan," the organization advises. The Foods That Fight Cancer program by Colorectal Cancer Canada recommends eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to these foods, the program advises limiting the intake of processed meats and red meat, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It also recommends reducing the amount of alcohol and sugary beverages you drink. Highly processed foods should be minimized as well. By making these dietary changes, the risk of developing colorectal cancer can be minimized, Stein points out. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Stein highlights, "Having a sedentary lifestyle, in other words, being a couch potato, is a risk factor." Staying active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, regular physical activity can lower the risk by improving bowel function and reducing inflammation. Discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with a health-care provider so you understand the risk. If you have a first-degree relative — such as a parent, sibling or child — who's had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Shared genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this increased risk, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada. Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can elevate your risk further. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, often at a younger age. Other inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, also heighten the risk. "Your age and generic history of your family are risk factors that you can't control," Stein says, adding the goal is to focus on what can be controlled, like eating healthier foods and exercising. Prevention is often more straightforward than treatment, which can be invasive and challenging. As Stein states, "it's so much easier to prevent something (than to treat it)." "All you have to do is get a kit, poop in your toilet, send it to the lab with a little stick and you find out if it's positive," Stein explains. If it does turn out positive, you would then go for a colonoscopy so that the polyp can be located. "If there is a polyp, they remove it and you catch the cancer early. Otherwise, you go through what I went through, which is quite challenging, to say the least. And at worst, people die." By focusing on early screening and prevention, potential issues can be caught early before developing into cancer, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment.
