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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2013; 19(34): 5651-5657
Published online Sep 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i34.5651
Published online Sep 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i34.5651
Colorectal cancer in patients under 50 years of age: A retrospective analysis of two institutions' experience
Elizabeth A Myers, Joon Ho Jang, Richard L Whelan, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY 10019, United States
Daniel L Feingold, Kenneth A Forde, Tracey Arnell, Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
Author contributions: Whelan RL, Feingold DL, Arnell T and Forde KA designed research; Myer EA performed research; Myers EA and Jang JH analyzed data; Myers EA and Whelan RL wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Richard L Whelan, MD, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, 25 West 59th St., Suite 7B, New York, NY 10019, United States. rwhelan@chpnet.org
Telephone: +1-212-5238172 Fax: +1-212-5238857
Received: February 1, 2013
Revised: May 9, 2013
Accepted: June 1, 2013
Published online: September 14, 2013
Revised: May 9, 2013
Accepted: June 1, 2013
Published online: September 14, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising among patients under age 50 years. In our study, the majority of patients did not have a family history of CRC and presented with advanced disease stages. In America, many physicians wrongly believe that CRC in patients under age 50 years is uncommon and mostly found in patients with a 1st degree family history of CRC. This misconception delays time to diagnosis, contributing to a more advanced disease stage on presentation. The authors hope, after reading this article, doctors will recommend timely and complete colon evaluations for patients under age 50 years who present with rectal bleeding.