Colorectal Cancer is on Rise with Younger Adults; Here’s How to Help Lower Your Likelihood of Developing It

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer in the United States. More than 158,000 new cases and 55,000 related deaths are estimated nationally in 2026 – and more younger adults are now feeling the impact.

According to the American Cancer Society, rates of new colorectal cancer cases for those age 50 and under have risen steadily in the last decade. Mortality rates in young people have also increased, as colorectal is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death in the U.S. for those 50 and younger.

In many cases people have the power to lower their likelihood of developing the disease, as more than half of new cases in the U.S. are linked to controllable risk factors. These include being overweight or physically inactive; high consumption of red or processed meats; use of cigarettes and alcohol; and not keeping current with recommended screenings.

For people of average risk, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recently lowered the recommended age for starting colorectal cancer screening to 45, due to rising incidence in younger people. But only about 60% of people 45 and older in the U.S. are up to date with their colorectal cancer screenings.

Colonoscopy screening helps prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer – and it also helps detect it at an early stage, when treatments are generally most effective. Early detection is critical, as the five-year survival rate for early-stage colorectal cancer is 91%. But if it’s detected at a late stage when it has spread throughout the body, that figure drops to about 15%.

Several different options are available for colorectal cancer screening. For example, blood tests can help with early detection of cancer – but not with prevention, as it’s not effective at finding precancerous polyps. Additionally, stool-based tests look for chemical signs of cancer, but if the results are positive, the patient needs to have a colonoscopy to confirm.

Finally, colonoscopy is what’s known as a structural test and is considered the gold standard because it can remove precancerous polyps found during a screening exam. CT colonography and sigmoidoscopy are other forms of structural tests, in which the physician directly visualizes the colon and rectum for abnormalities.

There are not many early warning signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, as it can take up to 10 years for a polyp to develop into cancer. But as the disease progresses, symptoms may include blood in the stool; rectal bleeding; a change in bowl habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool); and abdominal pain.

Scripps Cancer Center offers a full range of screening, diagnostic and treatment options. The center was recently cited by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the leading cancer centers in the United States, providing local residents access to some of the top cancer doctors in San Diego. More information is available by visiting Scripps’ colorectal cancer online resource page, or by calling 1-800-SCRIPPS.