Younger adult colon cancer deaths are concentrated in people with less education, study says
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology reveals that the increasing rate of colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults in the U.S. is disproportionately affecting those with less education.
Briefing Summary
AI-generatedA recent study published in JAMA Oncology reveals that the increasing rate of colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults in the U.S. is disproportionately affecting those with less education. Researchers at the American Cancer Society analyzed government data from 1994 to 2023, covering over 101,000 individuals aged 25 to 49 who died from the disease. The study found that the rise in deaths occurred almost entirely among people without a four-year college degree. Experts suggest that lower educational attainment is a marker for socioeconomic factors such as lower income, poorer diet, less exercise, and reduced access to medical care, which may contribute to the increased risk. This research is the first national study to demonstrate this connection.
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Model · rule-basedKey claims
5 extractedAmerican Cancer Society researchers used government data on more than 101,000 younger adults who died of colorectal cancer from 1994 through 2023.
The paper published Thursday in JAMA Oncology is the first national study to actually show the connection.
The rise in colorectal cancer deaths in young adults occurred almost entirely among people without a four-year college degree over the last 30 years.
Rise in colorectal cancer deaths in younger adults is concentrated in people with less education.
People without degrees tend to earn less money, have poorer diets, exercise less and get less medical care.