Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in the U.S. and worldwide, according to a recent study. Doctors define early onset as cancer in individuals younger than 50.
More Young People Are Getting Colon Cancer Worldwide
American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers documented a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer in various countries and regions, not just affluent Western economies.
The study examined contemporary CRC incidence trends from 50 countries/territories ranging from 1943 to 2017. The research was published in The Lancet Oncology.
In 14 countries, including the U.S., colorectal cancer rates are stable in adults aged 50 and older but are rising in people younger than 50. The rate of early-onset CRC was highest in the U.S. and four other countries.
“The global scope of this concerning trend highlights the need for innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight,” said Hyuna Sung, PhD, ACS senior principal scientist of cancer surveillance research and the study’s lead author. “Ongoing efforts are essential to identify the additional factors behind these trends and to develop effective prevention strategies tailored to younger generations and local resources worldwide.”
The rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among young adults is a concerning worldwide trend — highlighting the importance of preventing and detecting the disease early through timely screenings.
Get Informed about Colorectal Cancer
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, organizations work to raise awareness, promote early detection and support research and treatment efforts.
Cancer of the colon and rectum is commonly called colorectal cancer. This disease is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
In 2025, the ACS estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and about 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer.
About 10 percent of all colorectal cancer diagnoses are in individuals younger than 50. In fact, CRC incidence in adults aged 40 to 49 years has increased by nearly 15 percent in the past decade.
“Raising awareness of the trend and the distinct symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer (e.g., rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss) among young people and primary care providers can help reduce delays in diagnosis and decrease mortality,” Dr. Sung said.
Take Action by Getting Screened at 45
You can take the first step to beat the trend of early-onset colorectal cancer by talking to your healthcare provider about screening.
AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD, MACG, said providers play a key role in colorectal cancer awareness, detection and prevention.
“Although the rapid rise in CRC in young adults is alarming, we know we can beat the trend by educating our patients about the importance of screening along with paying attention to symptoms that could be a sign of colon cancer,” he said.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises adults at average risk to undergo a baseline screening at age 45. You may need to be screened earlier if you have risk factors like a family or personal history of CRC or polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Regardless of your age, seek medical attention if you have digestive symptoms that may be experienced with CRC.
An estimated 55 million adults between 45 and 85 are eligible for a colorectal cancer screening in the United States. Yet, studies show one-third of Americans are overdue for their screening.
“Screening works!” Dr. Popp said. “Ask your healthcare provider about what screening test is best for you.”
Screening Options for Colon Cancer
A number of screenings detect colorectal cancer, but colonoscopy is the only method that can detect and prevent the disease. During this procedure, your gastroenterologist examines the entire length of your colon for polyps or abnormalities.
“Since almost all colon cancers begin as a small growth called a polyp, during screening colonoscopy, these polyps can be identified and removed, thus preventing cancer from developing,” Dr. Popp said.
If you choose other colon cancer screening methods and receive an abnormal result, you must follow up with a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the positive test.
Failing to follow up or delaying the colonoscopy may increase your risk of colon cancer and result in an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.
“When detected in its early stages, before it has had a chance to spread to other organs, colon cancer is beatable — with a five-year survival rate of 90 percent,” Dr. Popp said.
Most insurance plans provide coverage for a screening colonoscopy for patients 45 and older. Healthcare coverage varies, so call your provider to confirm you are eligible for a screening colonoscopy.
Spread Awareness about CRC
The ACS estimates colorectal cancer will cause about 52,900 deaths this year. In adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in men and the second in women.
Timely screening is key to survival. If you are 45 or older and unscreened, it is time to get screened. Then, encourage your friends and loved ones to get screened, too. It could save their lives.
Prioritize your health and schedule your first CRC screening or a follow-up colonoscopy. Our network of expertly trained gastroenterologists provides outpatient services across the United States. Quality care is available at our surgery centers around the country.
You can help spread the message to get screened even if you are not a part of the screening demographic yet. Wear a blue ribbon or shirt on March 7, Dress in Blue Day, and throughout National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.