Syounger and younger, more and more often. The colon cancer it is no longer just a disease of mature age and the numbers confirm this: according to epidemiological estimates, by 2040 early-onset cases, under the age of 50, could increase up to 80%. A fact that worries the scientific community and turns the spotlight on prevention, lifestyles and new therapies. The alarm was raised by A. Gemelli IRCCS University Hospitalwhich on the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4th presented an ambitious development plan for oncology, putting early onset tumors at the centre.
A growing phenomenon (and not just for the colon)
“THE “early onset” tumors they are an epidemiological reality that is now evident”, they explain from Gemelli. Colon, pancreas and lung are among the neoplasms that are most frequently diagnosed at a young age. These are not individual cases, but a trend observed daily in clinics and confirmed by national and international tumor registries.
The colon cancer in those under 50 it often arrives silently: the initial symptoms are subtle and easily confused with common intestinal disorders, such as bloating, alternate bowel movements or tiredness. Precisely for this reason, the diagnosis risks arriving later.
The causes: what we know today
The reasons for this increase are not yet fully clarified, but some hypotheses are increasingly solid. «Among the most accredited factors is nutrition», he explains Giampaolo Tortorafull professor of medical oncology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and director of the Gemelli Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, rich in sugars, fats and additives, it is very popular among young and very young people and could play a key role. But it’s not just what we eat today that matters: more and more studies indicate that nutrition in the first 10-12 years of life it is essential for the development of a healthy intestinal microbiota, capable of protecting the body in the long term.
Other risk factors
New possible risk factors are also under observation:
- microplastics and nanoplasticsincreasingly present in the environment and in the food chain;
- genotoxic bacterial toxinssuch as colibactin produced by some strains of Escherichia coli or the Cdt of Campylobacter jejuniassociated with the development and progression of colon tumors;
- “classical” factors such as obesity, overweight and diabeteswhich favor a state of chronic low-grade inflammation.
Screening: why anticipating it can save your life
Faced with this scenario, something is also changing on the prevention front. The Council of Europe has already recommended anticipate screening programsparticularly for the colon and breast. In Italy some Regions have started pilot programs that lower the age for taking exams.
The message from the specialists is clear: You shouldn’t ignore persistent signs like blood in your stool, unexplained anemia, weight loss, or lasting changes in your bowel movements, even if you’re young. Talking to your family doctor remains the first step.
Increasingly “intelligent” diagnoses
One of the pillars of the Gemini plan is the development of a integrated diagnostics and multiomics. In practice, it means bringing together information from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and radiomics to obtain a complete profile of the disease.
This integration allows for a precision medicine increasingly refined: no longer “a cure for all”, but the right therapy for that patient, at that moment of the disease.
New treatments and personalized therapies
On the therapeutic front, there are many new features. The Polyclinic is involved in the testing of:
- new generation biological and immunotherapeutic drugs;
- bi- and tri-specific antibodies;
- antibody-drug conjugateswhich selectively target tumor cells;
- therapeutic vaccinesintended to enhance the response of the immune system.
Also important is theintegration between medical oncology, surgery, radiotherapy and interventional radiology. One approach multidisciplinary which changed the way we deal with it oligometastatic diseasegiving surgery a central role even in complex situations.
The role of big data
The third axis of innovation concerns i big data. Gemelli has a unique wealth of clinical data collected over decades of activity. Analyzing them in an advanced way allows us to improve treatment paths, identify new therapeutic targets and refine prevention.
Daily prevention: what we can do
While waiting for research to make further progress, there are daily choices that can make a difference:
- follow one high fiber dietfruits, vegetables and whole grains;
- limit ultra-processed foods and processed meats;
- maintain a healthy weight and practice regular physical activity;
- do not underestimate the controls and listen to your body.
The colon cancer in the under 50s it is a new challenge, but not invincible. Information, prevention and therapeutic innovation are the most effective weapons to face it today and to change the numbers of tomorrow.
How to undergo colon cancer screening in Italy
In Italy screening for colon cancer it is guaranteed by the National Health Service and is free. It is currently aimed, in most regions, at people among 50 and 69 years oldwho receive an invitation to perform the procedure at home or through the local health authority fecal occult blood testsimple and non-invasive, to be repeated every two years. In case of a positive result, the process includes a in-depth colonoscopy.
Pilot programs in some Regions
Some Regions have started pilot programs that bring forward the age of access to screening, especially in the presence of family history or risk factors. Outside of organized programs, it is always possible to contact the family doctorwho can prescribe tests in the presence of suspicious symptoms or a family history of colorectal cancer. There Early diagnosis remains the most effective weapon: Detecting the disease in its early stages significantly increases the chances of a cure.
