Alarming study shows bowel cancer killing more under-45s with death rates continuing to rise

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

Concerning new studies into bowel cancer have warned that rates are rising among younger people.

Researchers in the US have found that the rate of diagnosis in under 50s has surged significantly since the screening age was lowered, and further studies have provided more worrying information.

American scientists have estimated that in 2026 there will be around 108,860 new cases of bowel cancer, and around 55,230 deaths, with them expecting that one in 25 men and one in 26 women will develop it at some point in their lifetime.

Also in their findings is that one in five of those diagnosed is under the age of 55 and the rate of diagnosis in people aged under 50 is rising at a rate of three percent a year.

More and more people who might think themselves too young to be getting cancer are being diagnosed with it, and bowel cancer rates are particularly concerning.

More young people are getting bowel cancer (CAVALLINI JAMES/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

According to the Daily Mail, researchers studying 20 years of death records in the US found that deaths from bowel cancer in under 45s grew as much as three times faster as the rate of deaths in other age groups.

It's certainly not just a US problem either, as a Swiss study reached similar conclusions that while the rate of bowel cancer is declining in people over 50, below that age it's rising at an 'alarming rate'.

Dr Jeremy Meyer said: "Cases are now emerging in people in their thirties, with no personal or family history of the disease. These patients are often diagnosed late, by which time metastases are already present."

All over the world researchers are finding the rate of bowel cancer in younger patients is increasing and the numbers keep rising.

Studies from across the world have warned the rate of diagnosis and death is going up for younger age groups (Getty Stock Photo)

The symptoms of bowel cancer

According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

· Changes in your pooing habits

· Bleeding from your bottom

· Feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet

· Tummy pain

· A lump in your tummy

· Bloating

· Losing weight without trying

· Feeling very tired for no reason

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you book an appointment with your GP, where you'll be asked questions about yours and your family's medical history, as well as undergoing a rectal examination.

You may also be referred to a specialist if the GP suspects there could be a possibility of cancer, however, the NHS stresses that this doesn't mean you definitely have cancer.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.