The rapid surge of colorectal cancer in children and young adults: a 22-year analysis of the CDC WONDER database

BACKGROUND: Early onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is rising globally. We analyzed 22 years of US data to identify specific age, gender, and racial/ethnic groups at highest risk. METHODS: Using the CDC WONDER database (1999-2020), we analyzed CRC incidence in individuals aged 10 to 44. Trends were quantified via annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) using Joinpoint Regression (v.5.0.2). RESULTS: < 0.001), with an APC of 70.54% from 2012 to 2015. Substantial increases were also observed in the 15-19 (AAPC 9.33%) and 20-24 (AAPC 4.94%) cohorts. Females experienced a peak acceleration of 7.39% between 2013 and 2016. Among racial/ethnic groups, White (AAPC 2.35%) and Hispanic (AAPC 2.38%) populations demonstrated the most rapid incidence growth. CONCLUSION: The sharp escalation of CRC in pediatric and adolescent populations signals a public health crisis, necessitating increased clinical vigilance and investigation into early life environmental drivers.