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Review
. 2023 Sep 12;15(9):e45095.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.45095. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Causes and Prevention of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Aisha O Adigun  1 , Temitayo M Adebile  2   3 , Chiugo Okoye  4 , Taiwo I Ogundipe  5 , Omolola R Ajekigbe  6 , Rheiner N Mbaezue  7 , Okelue E Okobi  8   9   10
Affiliations
Review

Causes and Prevention of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Aisha O Adigun et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) has historically been considered a disease of the elderly. However, early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) incidence and prevalence have steadily increased over the last few decades, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of its causes and prevention. This research examines the numerous factors contributing to the increasing incidence of eoCRC. These factors include a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental effects. We also investigate the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet on eoCRC risk. Understanding these factors is critical in developing future diagnostic, prognostic, disease monitoring, and therapy planning strategies in managing eoCRC and will help optimize guidelines for CRC screening.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; diet; early-onset; lifestyle; prevention; risk factors; sporadic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. An original diagram showing common risk factors of early-onset colorectal cancer.
CRC: colorectal cancer.
Figure 2
Figure 2. An original diagram showing modifiable risk factors of early-onset colorectal cancer.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Illustration warning to stop alcohol and tobacco use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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