title: Prevalence of colorectal adenomas in asymptomatic young adults: a window to early intervention?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of colorectal adenoma is increasing in the average-risk population. However, little research is available on colorectal adenoma in young adults under age 40. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of colorectal adenoma in 20- to 39-year-old adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 4286 asymptomatic young adults aged 20 to 39 years who underwent first colonoscopy screening as part of an employer-provided health wellness programme at the Health Promotion Centre of Samsung Changwon Hospital, Korea from January 2011 to December 2013. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify risk factors for colorectal adenoma in asymptomatic young adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of colorectal adenoma and advanced adenoma was 11.6% (497/4286) and 0.9% (39/4286), respectively. By age group, the prevalence of colorectal adenoma was 5.4% (33/608) in participants aged 20 to 29 years and 12.6% (464/3678) in participants aged 30 to 39. Colorectal adenoma was found in 13.1% (403/3072) of men and 7.7% (94/1214) of women. Increased risk of colorectal adenoma was associated with age over 30 years (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.64-3.42), current smoker status (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14-1.91), and alcohol consumption (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.63).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate that even if the prevalence of colorectal adenoma was low in young adults aged 20 to 39, being over 30, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption can affect young adults who have no other CRC risks.
authors: a Health Promotion Centre, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Ji Yeong
authors: JY
authors: Kwak
authors: b Department of Medicine , Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Kwang Min
authors: KM
authors: Kim
authors: c Department of Medicine , Hanheart Hospital , Changwon , Korea.
authors: Hae Jin
authors: HJ
authors: Yang
authors: b Department of Medicine , Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Kil Jong
authors: KJ
authors: Yu
authors: b Department of Medicine , Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Jae Gon
authors: JG
authors: Lee
authors: b Department of Medicine , Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Yeon Oh
authors: YO
authors: Jeong
authors: b Department of Medicine , Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Changwon , Korea ;
authors: Sang Goon
authors: SG
authors: Shim
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adenoma; colonoscopy; prevalence; young adults