Bill aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer

TAMPA, Fla. — Doctors have been sounding the alarm for years that colorectal cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in people younger than 50.

Now, legislation has been introduced at the federal level aimed at increasing early detection.

Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said the nonprofit worked closely with lawmakers to introduce the bill.

“Colorectal cancer is the number one leading cause in cancer-related deaths for men under 50 and the second for women under 50. So, this Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act is vital to keep Americans healthy,” Sapienza said.

When Christen Pedigo, 34, first noticed symptoms four years ago, she never thought she’d end up at Moffitt Cancer Center.

“It was always something like, ‘Oh, it’ll be Crohn’s or UC or something similar.’ They didn’t even bring it up. So, when they gave me the diagnosis the day of the procedure, it was very shocking,” said Pedigo.

She learned the unexplained weight loss, digestive issues, and fatigue she’d been dealing with were signs of colorectal cancer. Christen was diagnosed with stage 4 last year at just 33 years old. 

“It’s been a really rough year, just from dealing with everything from the treatment to the emotions around the effects to just seeing how it changes your friends, your family,” Pedigo said.

In her case, Pedigo began experiencing symptoms when she was 29 years old. Her case is part of a disturbing trend. According to the CCA, about 10 percent of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. are people younger than 50. That age group is the only one seeing an increase, with diagnoses going up one-to-two percent every year. It’s something one of Pedigo’s doctors has seen firsthand.

“It’s very concerning,” said Dr. Tiago Biachi de Castria, a medical oncologist with Moffitt.

Biachi de Castria said about 20% of the hospital’s colorectal cancer patients are younger than 50.

“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing all those patients coming in with late diagnosis or with more advanced disease,” he said.

The American Cancer Society says screening is lowest among the 45-49 age group. The Colorecal Cancer Early Detection Act aims to change that. The bill from U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens and Tim Burchett would allow states to apply for grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can be used to pay for screenings for people younger than 45 who are at higher risk, provide referrals for medical treatment, public education campaigns, and more.

“Anything that can help to have access to this ideal care, it’s important for these patients,” said Biachi de Castria. “The interval between a polyp to a cancer is 10years, so we have time to act. This is the perfect disease to prevent, usually using screening procedures.”

Pedigo said before coming to Moffitt, chemo and radiation didn’t have a big effect on her tumor. She’s started a more aggressive treatment and hopes to see improvement soon. The legislation is something she said can go a long way toward letting people know screening is important — no matter their age.

“I think it’s so needed because after getting the diagnosis, you learn just how many people are experiencing it. I mean, there’s celebrities that are experiencing it,” she said. “We’re fighting a battle that we don’t have any information on. We’re so young, and it’s not a thought.”

Emily Blasi, senior director of communications and public relations for the CCA, said the bill has been introduced and Stevens’s and Burchett’s offices are actively looking for support for it.

According to CCA, symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, weakness and/or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, but there may be no symptoms in the early stages. It’s yet another reason the alliance says it’s important for people to get screened once they turn 45.