The rising tide of early-onset colorectal cancer: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, clinical features, biology, risk factors, prevention, and early detection

Summary

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cnacer—ie, colorectal cancer diagnosed in patients under the age of 50 years— has been increasing around the world. This Series paper provides a comprehensive review on the topic of early-onset colorectal cancer, including examining the epidemiology of early-onset colorectal cancer around the world, clinical and pathological features, genetic and epigenetic landscapes, and emerging data on the clinical risk factors associated with this malignancy. Evidence-based approaches to prevention and early detection are also presented.