Early-onset colorectal cancer: a comprehensive review reframing hypotheses and defining research priorities
Young-onset colorectal cancer research identifies missing diagnostic strategies and calls for biology-informed screening to catch cases earlier.
This narrative review critically examines the molecular landscape, diagnostic gaps, and treatment paradigms of early-onset CRC (diagnosed <50y), noting that despite multi-omics and liquid biopsy advances, no EOCRC-specific diagnostic approaches exist and age-based screening policies systematically delay diagnosis. The authors argue for biology-informed, risk-adapted screening strategies and call for EOCRC-focused clinical trials to address growing incidence.
What the study was
- Study design
- Narrative review
- Population
- Patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Category
- Early Detection
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Why it surfaced
Growing incidence of early-onset CRC with documented screening gap; review highlights liquid biopsy and multi-omics as underutilized tools for EOCRC early detection. Timely review framing research priorities for an emerging epidemiological trend.
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