The rate of rectal cancer among adults under 40, although still low, appears to be increasing steadily. Between the years 1984 and 2005, rectal cancer rates rose almost four percent per year. This contrasts with colon cancer rates, which remained stable.
Since rectal and colon cancer share similar risk factors, researchers are puzzled as to why only rectal cancer rates showed a steady increase. One possibility may be a failure by doctors to diagnose rectal cancer in younger adults. Knowing that rectal cancer is rare for the age group, physicians may neglect to consider it a possibility when making a diagnosis.
For instance, doctors may not take symptoms such as rectal bleeding in a younger adult seriously, and dismiss it as hemorrhoids. Going forward, researchers recommend doctors do a more careful evaluation of such symptoms and consider rectal cancer as a real possibility. They also suggest that it may be prudent for physicians to consider an endoscopic evaluation to rule out rectal cancer when signs are present.
This increased awareness of rectal cancer is vital because patients under 40 diagnosed with the disease often fare worse than older individuals. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it is partially because the disease is usually caught in the later stages when the patient is younger. The survival rate is much higher when cancer is caught in earlier stages.
Authors of the study used over 30 years of data from the National Cancer Institute to analyze nationwide rectal cancer trends. They determined that younger adults of both sexes and all races showed similar increases in rectal cancer. Although they encouraged increased vigilance when patients demonstrate possible rectal cancer symptoms, the researchers did not advocate for adjusting current screening guidelines. Current colorectal screening guidelines recommend screenings begin at age 50 and earlier for higher risk groups.
Malpractice Based on Failure to Diagnose
When you discuss your symptoms with a doctor you expect that they will consider all potential causes before making the appropriate diagnosis. A delay in the diagnosis for rectal cancer or another life-threatening disease can result in postponed or improper treatment. As a result, you may suffer unnecessary and substantial damage to your health or your illness may become terminal.
If you or your loved one has suffered harm because of an improper or delayed diagnosis, you should meet with an experienced malpractice lawyer to discuss your options. An attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure those responsible for your suffering are held accountable.
