Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Arhontakis, Alexia

Abstract

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related death, with the highest incidence in middle-age and elderly populations [1]. However in America, there is a rising incidence rate of colorectal cancer amongst individuals under 45 years of age, leading to early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC [2]). From all cancers studied from 2010-2019, gastrointestinal cancers had an increase in incidence rate of 14.80%, making it the fastest-growing among all early-onset cancers [2]. Patients with EOCRC have a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis and metastasis, leading to higher rates of mortality [1]. Additionally, many patients suffering from EOCRC are uninsured minority groups and are more likely to present with stage IV when compared to their older counterparts [3]. Although patients who suffer from EOCRC only make up 5% of all GC cases [2], this group of individuals suffer from poor outcomes due to preventable factors such as patient education, diet, and misdiagnosis, ultimately increasing the disease burden in the United States [3]. Social drivers of health such as geographic location, income, and healthcare access are also linked to poorer EOCRC outcomes [16]. Healthcare providers must be made aware of the diagnosis criteria and risk factors to better educate and treat their patients with, or at the risk of EOCRC.

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ADJUSTING TO THE RISING PREVALENCE OF COLORECTAL CANCER AMONGST YOUNG ADULTS

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related death, with the highest incidence in middle-age and elderly populations [1]. However in America, there is a rising incidence rate of colorectal cancer amongst individuals under 45 years of age, leading to early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC [2]). From all cancers studied from 2010-2019, gastrointestinal cancers had an increase in incidence rate of 14.80%, making it the fastest-growing among all early-onset cancers [2]. Patients with EOCRC have a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis and metastasis, leading to higher rates of mortality [1]. Additionally, many patients suffering from EOCRC are uninsured minority groups and are more likely to present with stage IV when compared to their older counterparts [3]. Although patients who suffer from EOCRC only make up 5% of all GC cases [2], this group of individuals suffer from poor outcomes due to preventable factors such as patient education, diet, and misdiagnosis, ultimately increasing the disease burden in the United States [3]. Social drivers of health such as geographic location, income, and healthcare access are also linked to poorer EOCRC outcomes [16]. Healthcare providers must be made aware of the diagnosis criteria and risk factors to better educate and treat their patients with, or at the risk of EOCRC.