Colorectal carcinoma incidence among ages 10–14: Critical quality improvement implications in early-onset cancer care.

507 Background: Colorectal carcinoma represents the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. This study investigates the incidence trends of colorectal carcinoma from 1999 to 2021, with a focus on demographic and regional disparities. The findings aim to inform targeted quality improvement initiatives in early detection, prevention, and equitable care delivery. Methods: The data was sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder Database (CDCWD), spanning from 1999 to 2021. This dataset includes colorectal cancer incidence rates across following age groups: under 1, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 years and older. Each year's incidence rates are expressed per 100,000 population. To determine the percentage increase, the incidence rates from 1999 were compared with those from 2021. Results: From 1999 to 2021, there were 3,359,260 reported cases of colorectal cancer. Throughout this period, the overall AAMR (Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate) showed a modest decline, decreasing by 35.63% over the two decades. This corresponds to an AAPC (Average Annual Percentage Change) of -2.22, with a 95% CI of -2.5 to -1.89. When analyzed by gender, men experienced a greater decline in incidence rates than women, with reductions of 39.14% and 33.4%, respectively. The AAPC for women was -2.1 (95% CI: -2.4 to -1.75), while for men, it was -2.44 (95% CI: -2.75 to -2.13). Among racial groups, non-Hispanic Black/African Americans had the most significant decrease in incidence rates, with an AAPC of -2.18 (95% CI: -2.6 to - 1.76), compared to other races. Age-specific trends revealed that the 10-14-year age group saw the greatest relative increase in incidence, rising by 700% to 0.7 cases per 100,000 population. In contrast, the highest overall incidence rate was observed in individuals aged 85 and older, at 220.9 cases per 100,000 population. Conclusions: The striking 700% relative increase in cancer incidence among the 10–14-year age group recognizes the shifting epidemiology and underscores an urgent need for early detection, education, and prevention. Although absolute numbers are low, the steep upward trend is statistically and clinically significant, prompting a renewed focus on pediatric and adolescent cancer awareness strategies, enhancing early referral pathways, and diagnostic timeliness. An investigation into contributing factors, such as environmental exposure, dietary habits, and delayed recognition of early symptoms, is needed. Collaborative efforts between oncology centers, schools, and community health organizations could play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities.