Report Finds Colorectal Cancer Rates Among Younger Adults Have Nearly Doubled in the Last Two Decades

A new report by the American Cancer Society has found that the rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults younger than 55 has nearly doubled in the past two decades.

The report, released on Tuesday, found that the proportion of colorectal cancer cases among adults younger than 55 increased from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. Additionally, the report found that the rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses increased from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019.

“Anecdotally, it’s not rare for us now to hear about a young person with advanced colorectal cancer,” said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society.

The exact cause of the rise of colorectal cancer in younger people is unknown, but certain risk factors may be part of the puzzle. The rates of colorectal cancer (which groups together colon and rectal cancer because of their similarities) have been increasing in young people around the world.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. People at higher risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should begin screening at an earlier age.

The report is a reminder that colorectal cancer is not just an older person’s disease, and that people of all ages should be aware of the risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk.