Colorectal cancer rates increase in young adults: Study [Video]

(NewsNation) — On the heels of World Cancer Day, a new study coming out of the United Kingdom is linking higher rates of colorectal cancer to obesity and alcohol consumption in younger adults.

In the United States, the National Cancer Institute reports alcohol consumption could increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 50%; nearly 42% of our country is considered overweight.

While the study found that overall cancer mortality rates are down, it warns of the increase in cancer rates among younger adults. Colorectal cancer death rates in younger men have increased by 26% and increased in younger women by nearly 39% since 2018, researchers found.

NewsNation medical contributor and board-certified cardiologist Dr. Dave Montgomery said it’s a concerning trend that has medical professionals advising adults younger than 50 to make cancer screenings a priority.

“We’ve got to make cancer screening a priority. Remember, this is not gloom or doom,” Montgomery …