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Review
. 2024 Jul 2;38(3):173-178.
doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1787883. eCollection 2025 May.

The Young: Early-Onset Colon Cancer

David Cohen  1 , Caitlin Rogers  2 , Joel Gabre  2   3 , Beatrice Dionigi  4
Affiliations
Review

The Young: Early-Onset Colon Cancer

David Cohen et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. .

Abstract

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC), characterized by diagnosis before the age of 50 years, has emerged as a significant healthcare challenge with increasing global incidence. While traditional risk factors such as family history and inherited syndromes contribute to EO-CRC, a substantial proportion of cases remain sporadic, necessitating further investigation into additional etiological factors. Molecular studies reveal heterogeneity in EO-CRC, with distinct mutational profiles compared to late-onset CRC. Clinical management presents unique considerations, including challenges in early detection and treatment strategies tailored to younger patients. Addressing EO-CRC requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating epidemiological, molecular, and clinical insights to improve prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic outcomes. Emerging research avenues explore novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering promise for advancing understanding and management of this disease in contemporary oncology practice.

Keywords: colon cancer; early-onset cancer; rectal cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

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