Young colorectal cancer cases rise in Korea, registry data show

The surge in young colorectal cancer patients in Korea is raising alarm among medical experts, who are now seeing patients in their 20s and 30s more often in clinical settings.

Building on these local observations, Professor Ji Woong-bae of the Division of Colorectal Surgery at Korea University Ansan Hospital said on the hospital's YouTube channel that “colorectal cancer cases among young people are steadily increasing, not only in Korea but also in other countries, including the United States.”

Given this rise, it is important to ask: What is driving the increase in colorectal cancer among young patients in Korea?

Medical experts note that colorectal cancer cases among young adults in Korea are increasing, with more patients in their 20s and 30s. (Credit: Getty Images)

On the same YouTube channel, Professor Min Byung-wook of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Korea University Guro Hospital stated, “Our diet shifted toward Western-style eating habits some time ago. I believe dietary changes are the biggest factor.”

Professor Ji also explained, “I think factors such as diet and lifestyle have an impact,” but added that “some aspects differ slightly from what we traditionally understand.”

How much has colorectal cancer increased among Koreans in their 20s and 30s?

According to the National Cancer Registry annual report, the number of colorectal cancer patients in their 20s and 30s—combining colon and rectal cancers—rose from 1,647 in 2021 to 1,948 in 2023.

Rectal cancer, which accounts for about 25–30 percent of all colorectal cancers, appears particularly common among younger patients.

According to the report, in 2023 there were 75 patients in their 20s with colon cancer and 259 with rectal cancer, while 278 patients in their 30s had colon cancer and 1,336 had rectal cancer.

Understanding colorectal cancer types is important. Professor Ji emphasized that although both rectal and colon cancer are forms of colorectal cancer, their treatment approaches differ significantly.

According to Professor Ji, “While the colon is located in the abdomen, the rectum is embedded in the pelvis, making surgery more complex. Because the rectum stores stool, patients may experience more symptoms and discomfort after surgery, which leads to notable differences in treatment outcomes.”