Actor James Van Der Beek's Passing Highlights Alarming Rise in Colorectal Cancer Among Young People
Actor James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in the 1990s teen drama series "Dawson's Creek," died on Wednesday. The official cause of death remains undisclosed, but it is known that the 48-year-old was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, a condition he had been battling. His diagnosis is part of a disturbing global trend of increasing colorectal cancer rates in younger individuals, which combines colon and rectal cancers due to their similarities.
Sharp Increase in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Diagnoses
A recent report from the American Cancer Society reveals that colorectal cancer diagnoses have nearly doubled in people under 55 years old over recent decades. Specifically, the percentage rose from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. Additionally, the report indicates a higher incidence of advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses, climbing from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019. Even before this data became available, medical professionals had observed this concerning uptick.
Dr. Robin Mendelsohn, co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, emphasized the severity of the situation. "We have seen an alarming and unsettling increase in the instance of colorectal cancer in younger people," she stated. "It's been increasing about 1 to 2% per year since the 1990s." While the overall numbers are relatively small, any rise is cause for concern, particularly as the most significant increase occurs in the youngest age group—individuals aged 20 to 29.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors
The reasons behind this surge in young people remain unclear. Dr. Nilofer Saba Azad, co-director of cancer genetics and epigenetics at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, noted that genetic factors are not the primary driver, suggesting environmental influences are likely at play. "We don't have a definitive answer as to why we're seeing rates rise," Azad explained. "But what is clear is that it's not because anything new is happening genetically, which means it's likely due to environmental factors."
Key risk factors associated with this trend include:
- A Western diet, especially one high in processed meats
- Excess body weight
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Conditions such as diabetes and other metabolic issues
Azad clarified that these factors individually may not pose a major risk, but their combination likely contributes to the observed increase. She stressed that moderation, nutritious eating, and regular exercise are crucial, as many cancer risk factors, like genetics, are beyond personal control.
Screening Guidelines and Importance of Early Detection
In response to the rising cases, screening guidelines have been adjusted. The recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screenings in the United States has been lowered from 50 to 45. Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, highlighted the rationale behind this change: "The reason for that is we were seeing a remarkable increase in people ... in their early 50s with colon cancer." However, many young adults affected by this trend are too young for standard screenings, as insurance coverage typically starts at age 45.
Dr. Mendelsohn outlined the dual purpose of screening: "One is if cancer is detected, it's detected early ... in the early stages, colorectal cancer is extremely curable. And the other is to find polyps, which are precancerous growths that over time can turn into cancer." Early detection and prevention are paramount, especially for high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, who may qualify for earlier screenings.
Screening Methods and Overcoming Fears
Colonoscopies are often considered the gold standard for screening because they allow for both polyp removal and cancer biopsy simultaneously. Dr. Azad reassured that "colonoscopies are extraordinarily safe procedures ... and they are actually not uncomfortable at all," with the preparation phase being the most challenging part for many. Alternative screening options include stool tests and virtual colonoscopies (CT scans), which should be conducted at regular intervals—every 10 years for colonoscopies, every 5 years for virtual colonoscopies, and annually to every 3 years for stool tests, depending on the type.
Dr. Mendelsohn emphasized that "the best test is the one that gets done," encouraging individuals to choose a screening method they are comfortable with to ensure compliance.
Recognizing Symptoms and Advocating for Health
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle and vary among individuals. Research from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identifies key red-flag signs that may appear months to years before diagnosis, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia
Dr. Mendelsohn noted that rectal bleeding is the most common symptom, but it often stems from benign causes like hemorrhoids. Other warning signs include a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, changes in stool consistency (such as black poop or constipation), unexplained weight loss, and appetite changes. It is essential for individuals, especially those under 45, to monitor their bodies and consult a doctor if any symptoms persist.
Dr. Kamal offered a hopeful perspective: "While a colon cancer diagnosis is scary, the average survival rate of a person with Stage 4 colon cancer is measured in years, but the cure rate for people with local colon cancer ― meaning cancer that hasn't spread ― can reach 100%." This underscores the critical importance of screenings and awareness as colorectal cancer rates continue to climb globally.
