Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease affecting mainly older adults. Doctors across the United States are raising concerns as more young men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with the condition.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Americans under 50. Overall, it remains the country’s second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer.
The recent deaths of actor James Van Der Beek at 48 and Chadwick Boseman at 43 have brought renewed attention to the risks younger adults face.
Doctors say the trend is deeply worrying.
“We’re now starting to see more and more people in the 20-, 30- and 40-year-old range developing colon cancer,” said Dr John Marshall of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, who has treated cancer patients for more than three decades.
He added that this shift “is shaking us all, to be blunt.”
How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer affects both the colon and rectum. It develops when abnormal growths, known as polyps, form in the lining of the bowel and become cancerous over time.
Key Statistics for 2026
More than 158,000 new cases expected in the US this year
Over 55,000 deaths projected
Second leading cause of cancer deaths overall (after lung cancer)
While overall cases and deaths have slightly declined in recent years — largely thanks to better screening — the rise in younger adults is reversing progress in that age group.
Early detection has been a major reason for improved survival rates in older people. Screening tests can:
Detect cancer at an early, treatable stage
Identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps
Prevent cancer from developing altogether
Who Is Most at Risk?
1. Adults Over 50 (Still the Majority)
Most colorectal cancer cases still occur in people aged 50 and older. Encouragingly, deaths in this age group have been falling by around 1.5% per year over the past decade.
2. Adults Under 50 (Rapidly Rising Cases)
Although still less common than in older adults, cases in younger people have been increasing steadily since the early 2000s.
Recent research from the American Cancer Society found:
Death rates in Americans under 50 have risen by 1.1% per year since 2005
Around 3,890 people under 50 are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year
It has now become the deadliest cancer in this age group.
Risk Factors at Any Age
Doctors stress that colorectal cancer can affect anyone, but certain lifestyle and medical factors increase the risk.
Common Risk Factors:
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Diet high in red or processed meat
Low intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Smoking
Heavy alcohol consumption
Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
Family history of colorectal cancer
Dr Marshall advises a balanced approach:
“Meat’s not evil — but eat less of it.”
The Role of Exercise
A recent long-term study found that a structured three-year exercise programme:
Improved survival rates in colon cancer patients
Reduced the risk of cancer returning
Regular physical activity appears to play a protective role, both before and after diagnosis.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer: What to Watch For
One of the biggest dangers is ignoring early symptoms — especially in younger adults who may assume they are “too young” for cancer.
Warning Signs Include:
Blood in the stool
Rectal bleeding
Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
Narrowing of the stool lasting more than a few days
Unexplained weight loss
Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
Doctors stress that these symptoms should never be ignored.
Early-stage colorectal cancer is far more treatable. Once it spreads to other organs, treatment becomes more complex and survival rates drop significantly.
When Should You Get Screened?
Current medical guidelines recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45.
However, some younger adults may need earlier testing — particularly if they:
Have a family history of colorectal cancer
Have inflammatory bowel disease
Carry certain genetic conditions
Screening Options Include:
Annual stool-based tests (non-invasive)
Colonoscopy every 10 years (if no abnormalities are found)
Newer blood tests for adults aged 45+
The best option depends on personal risk factors and medical advice.
Why Is Colorectal Cancer Rising in Younger Adults?
Experts do not yet have a clear answer.
Interestingly, many young patients do not have the traditional risk factors such as obesity or smoking.
Researchers are now investigating:
Changes in gut bacteria (the microbiome)
Differences in where tumours develop in the colon
Environmental and dietary shifts over recent decades
The colon is shaped like a question mark inside the abdomen. Doctors have noticed that tumours in younger adults often appear in different areas compared to older patients. This may affect how aggressive the cancer is and how it responds to treatment.
How to Protect Yourself
While no prevention method is guaranteed, you can reduce your risk by:
Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Limiting red and processed meat
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding smoking
Limiting alcohol
Taking symptoms seriously
Following recommended screening guidelines
Most importantly, do not dismiss warning signs because of your age.
Final Thoughts
Colorectal cancer is no longer just an older person’s disease. The rise among younger adults has shocked doctors and public health experts alike.
The good news is that early detection saves lives. Screening works. Lifestyle changes matter. And awareness can make all the difference.
If something feels wrong, get it checked. It could save your life.
Sources:
American Cancer Society
Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Associated Press health coverage
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