According to the National Cancer Institute, cases of colorectal cancer in patients younger than age 50 have grown by more than 50% since the 1990s. Cleveland Clinic has addressed this trend with the establishment of a center focused on the diagnosis, care, and research of young-onset colorectal cancer.
“More research is needed to better understand what is causing the rise of colorectal cancer cases in young adults,” said David Liska, MD, colorectal surgeon and Director of the Center for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer. “We now have a center dedicated to early-onset colorectal cancer, with a specific focus on treatment, care, and research.” Dr. Liska is also Director of the Sanford R. Weiss, MD Center for Hereditary Colorectal Neoplasia.
David Liska, MD
Comprehensive Approach
Younger patients often have diagnostic and treatment considerations that are specific to their age. A colorectal cancer diagnosis can interrupt their most productive years. To provide a personalized care plan, the center brings together a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, genetics, gastroenterology, fertility, psychology, and lifestyle medicine.
“A worrying trend I have seen with patients under 50 is they get diagnosed with colorectal cancer after having experienced symptoms for quite some time. It is important to know what factors can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, what symptoms to be vigilant about, and when to get screened,” Dr. Liska said.
“With this new Center for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer, the goal is to build on our experience from the Weiss Center to personalize multidisciplinary care for young individuals with colorectal cancer,” he added. “This encompasses care navigators for patients and families, research coordinators, and technology to build a sophisticated registry, research infrastructure, and more.”
