A recent research breakthrough offers new insight into why colorectal cancer cases are climbing among younger adults, a trend that has alarmed public health officials worldwide, including in Thailand. For years, scientists have noted a disturbing shift: while colorectal cancer rates decline among older adults, young people are increasingly being diagnosed, often at later—more dangerous—stages. The implications are significant for Thailand, where cancer remains one of the top causes of death, and awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer is still developing.
The fresh evidence, highlighted in a Gizmodo report, stems from a team of molecular biologists who examined genetic and environmental factors in early-onset colorectal cancer patients—those diagnosed before age 50. They found striking differences in the biology of tumors in younger patients compared to those in older populations, suggesting that early-onset colorectal cancer may, in fact, be a distinct disease entity that warrants specific attention.
Colorectal cancer, affecting the colon or rectum, was once considered primarily a disease of the elderly. Historically, routine screening for the disease does not begin until age 50 in most countries, including Thailand. However, hospital records and global datasets now reveal a steady increase in cases among people as young as their late 20s and 30s, prompting some experts to argue for earlier and more widespread screening. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, colorectal cancer currently ranks as the third most common cancer globally and is a leading cause of cancer death in Thailand, behind liver and lung cancers (IARC: Cancer Fact Sheets).
Researchers, including those referenced in Gizmodo’s coverage, have historically suspected that lifestyle factors—such as high consumption of processed foods, sedentary habits, rising obesity rates, and changes in gut microbiota—play a significant role. Yet the new findings suggest these behavioral factors interact in highly specific ways with the genetic makeup of younger patients. One of the principal investigators notes, “We’re seeing unique mutational patterns and immune responses in the tumors of young adults. This points to the likelihood that early-onset colorectal cancer is not just the same disease happening earlier, but a biologically distinct cancer” (Science journal preprint referenced in Gizmodo).
For Thailand, these revelations could have profound implications for clinical practice. A senior oncologist at a major Bangkok hospital, speaking to the Bangkok Post, says, “We still see a perception among young Thais and their families that colorectal cancer is an ‘old person’s disease.’ This research should be a wake-up call: anyone, regardless of age, experiencing symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unexplained weight loss should seek medical advice promptly.” The expert adds that awareness campaigns in local communities and schools, along with potential adjustments to the national screening age, might soon become necessary.
In a deeper cultural context, Thai dietary changes may be contributing to the trend. Where traditional diets were once rich in vegetables, rice, and fermented fish, today’s younger Thais often consume diets higher in processed and fast foods. These dietary shifts, combined with increasingly sedentary urban lifestyles, mirror patterns seen in Western countries where early-onset colorectal cancer has also risen sharply (World Cancer Research Fund: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective).
Genetic studies cited in the international literature also reveal that a family history of colorectal cancer and inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome remain prominent risk factors. However, most young patients have no identifiable inherited syndrome, suggesting the rising tide is due to broader environmental exposures. A 2023 study in JAMA Network Open highlights that about 70% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under 50 are not linked to known hereditary factors.
The potential for earlier detection lies in updating screening guidelines. Following recent U.S. guidelines to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, several Thai medical societies are considering similar recommendations, though concerns remain about resource allocation in rural clinics and hospitals. A public health official at the Ministry of Public Health, interviewed by email, stated, “We are closely monitoring the data, and pilot programs in large provinces to screen at-risk populations under 50 are already in planning stages.”
What does this mean looking ahead for Thai society? If trends continue unchecked, the economic and emotional burden on families could escalate. Young patients face unique challenges: potentially losing years of productivity and family life, and surviving with long-term consequences of aggressive cancer treatments. “Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable when caught early,” says a medical professor at a leading Thai university’s cancer research center. “By acting on the latest research, we can save many young lives with simple steps: greater awareness, earlier symptom reporting, and expanding access to screening.”
For Thai readers, practical action begins with knowledge. Anyone experiencing suspicious symptoms should not delay seeing a healthcare provider. Employers and schools can encourage a return to traditional healthful eating, and families can learn more about their health history. As new scientific discoveries emerge, public policy and community behaviors must adapt—with a uniquely Thai blend of tradition, awareness, and proactive care—so the next generation can take charge of its cancer risk.
Sources:
Gizmodo: Scientists May Have Figured Out Why Young People Are Getting Colorectal Cancer More Often
Science journal: Distinct mutational patterns and biology in early-onset colorectal cancer
World Cancer Research Fund: Colorectal cancer statistics
JAMA Network Open: Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology in Young Adults
International Agency for Research on Cancer: Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet