Colon Cancer in Young Adults: Why are cases rising under 50 and how does stiff colon tissue increase early-onset risk?

Colon Cancer in Young Adults: Colon cancer in young adults is rising fast. Cases in people under 50 have nearly doubled since the 1990s, according to the American Cancer Society. Scientists from the University of Texas at Dallas found a new clue. Colon tissue in younger patients is unusually stiff. Excess collagen causes this rigidity. Stiff tissue helps colorectal cancer cells grow faster. The findings, published in Advanced Science, may transform early detection and prevention strategies for early-onset colorectal cancer.