Temporal Trends of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults Versus Older Adults at a National Reference Centre in Mexico (2018–2024).

Background
Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a significant increase in recent years, including among adults under 50 years of age. This has led to a lack of understanding regarding epidemiological patterns and the need to strengthen early detection strategies.

Objectives
To analyze the temporal trend of incident colorectal cancer cases between 2018 and 2024 at the National Cancer Institute (INCan) and to compare the incidence between age groups under 50 years and 50 years and older.

Methods
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using hospital records, with annual data of 2,528 colorectal cancer cases from 2018 to 2024, stratified by age group (<50 and ≥50 years). A descriptive analysis of temporal trends was performed, and a Poisson regression model was fitted to evaluate the association between year of diagnosis, age group, and number of cases. Subsequently, an exploratory Joinpoint analysis was applied to identify changes in the temporal slope.

Results
An increase in colorectal cancer cases was observed over the analysed period in both age groups, with a more pronounced increase in recent years (annual IRR = 1.08; p < 0.001). The change in slope after 2022 was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The ≥50 age group consistently had more cases than the <50 age group. In the Poisson regression model, the ≥50 age group showed a significantly higher incidence rate than the <50 age group (IRR = 3.07; p < 0.001), adjusted for year.

Conclusions/Implications for practice or policy
The findings indicate a sustained increase in colorectal cancer cases between 2018 and 2024, with a significantly higher burden in the population aged 50 and older. However, the increase observed in both age groups highlights the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance and early detection strategies. These results support the need to continue monitoring temporal trends in colorectal cancer and to evaluate potential adjustments to screening policies to facilitate earlier detection.
 

TEMPORAL TREND OF COLORECTAL CANCER BY AGE GROUP AND SEX