Early-onset colorectal cancer research: gaps and opportunities

Abstract

The incidence rates of sporadic early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) are increasing rapidly in the USA and globally. Birth cohort analyses strongly suggest that changes in early life exposures to known or unknown risk factors for CRC may be driving EO disease, but the etiology of EO-CRC remains poorly understood. To address the alarming rise in sporadic EO-CRC, the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences convened a virtual meeting that featured presentations and critical discussions from EO-CRC experts that examined emerging evidence on potential EO-CRC risk factors, mechanisms and translational opportunities in screening and treatment.