What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to characterize early-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC) in a Mexican cohort to inform early detection strategies and guide future research.

May 30, 2026

Trends in early-onset colorectal cancer: A 20-year epidemiological study at a referral center in northeastern Mexico.

Key Points

This study aims to characterize early-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC) in a Mexican cohort to inform early detection strategies and guide future research.
Conducted an observational, retrospective, descriptive study.
Extracted data from 2,426 late-onset and 355 early-onset colorectal cancer patients from January 1999 to January 2023.
Analyzed epidemiological, clinicopathological, and molecular variables using descriptive statistics in SPSS.
The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer increased by 107% during 2014-2018, compared to a 60% rise in late-onset cases.
37.6% of early-onset cases were diagnosed at stage IV, with only 1% detected through screening.
Notable risk factors in the cohort included 31% smokers, 44% overweight or obese, and a 96% prevalence of a Northern Mexican diet.

Abstract

e15695 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Early-onset CRC (yCRC), diagnosed in individuals under 50 years, represents an emerging concern, with projections estimating that by 2030, 10% of colon and 25% of rectal cancers will occur in this demographic. In Latin America, there is a significant evidence gap regarding the epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of yCRC. This study aims to characterize the disease behavior in the Mexican population to inform early detection strategies and guide future research. Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, descriptive study. Data from 2,426 patients with late-onset CRC (LOCRC) and 355 patients with yCRC, diagnosed between January 1999 and January 2023, were extracted from the Electronic File System of the University Cancer Center at José Eleuterio González University Hospital. Epidemiological, clinicopathological, and molecular variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS (version 23.0). Results: The analysis reveals a concerning upward trend in yCRC incidence, with a 107% increase in cases during the 2014-2018 period, nearly double the 60% growth observed for LOCRC in the same interval. The age group 45-49 years had the highest absolute number of yCRC cases. The yCRC cohort was predominantly male (56%), and a striking 37.6% presented with stage IV disease at diagnosis. Notably, only 1% of yCRC cases were detected through screening. While 94% lacked traditional comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes, modifiable risk factors were prevalent: 31% were smokers, 44% were overweight or obese, and 96% reported a characteristic Northern Mexican diet style. Hereditary cancer syndromes were identified in only 1.6% of yCRC cases. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study confirms a sharp rise in yCRC incidence in Mexico, highlighting it as a critical public health issue. The high proportion of advanced-stage disease and minimal screening detection underscore severe gaps in early diagnosis for young adults. The distinct profile—predominance of modifiable lifestyle factors over hereditary syndromes or traditional comorbidities—suggests a significant role for environmental and behavioral etiologies specific to this population. These findings advocate for urgent policy revisions, including updated screening guidelines for high-risk individuals under 50, targeted public health campaigns addressing lifestyle risks, and the initiation of prospective studies to elucidate causative mechanisms. This work provides the first comprehensive characterization of yCRC in a Mexican cohort, forming a foundational basis for strategies to curb this emerging epidemic.

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