Colorectal cancer rises among younger populations in Serbia

Colorectal cancer has become the most frequent type of malignancy in Serbia in terms of newly diagnosed cases, according to 2024 GLOBOCAN reports from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. There are approximately 5,533 new cases annually, accounting for 14.7% of all registered malignancies in the country.

The disease is a major health challenge in Serbia, ranking second in cancer mortality behind lung cancer, with 2,764 annual deaths. Men are more heavily affected, with 3,443 new cases per year, while it is the second most common cancer in women, following breast cancer.

Medical experts, including Dr. Dejan Ivanov from the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, have noted a concerning trend of increasing diagnoses in patients under the age of 50. This rise is attributed to modern lifestyles and increased awareness regarding early diagnosis. Experts warn that early symptoms—such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or persistent digestive issues—are often mistaken for minor ailments like hemorrhoids, which can delay necessary medical intervention.