Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Malignancies: An Investigation into a Rising Concern

Simple Summary: In recent decades, there has been an increase in gastrointestinal malignancies diagnosed in individuals below the age of 50. Improved recognition of risk factors for these cancers may lead to prevention or earlier screening, which can reduce disease morbidity and mortality. This study aims to comprehensively review the characteristics, genetic factors, and environmental risks of early-onset gastrointestinal and liver cancers. Incidence trends are highlighted for these malignancies, as are screening guidelines. Although we describe many well-established risk factors for early-onset gastrointestinal malignancies, future population-based studies may help identify additional risk factors and shed light on improved screening strategies or early detection techniques. There is growing recognition of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies in young adults < 50 years of age. While much of the literature has emphasized colorectal cancer, these also include esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, and biliary tract malignancies. Various factors, including lifestyle, hereditary, and environmental elements, have been proposed to explain the rising incidence of GI malignancies in the younger population. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent literature, including global trends and information regarding genetic and environmental risk factors.