Colorectal Cancer on the Rise Among Young Adults: What You Need to Know

Once thought of as a disease predominantly affecting older adults, colorectal cancer is now steadily creeping into younger age groups — and it’s raising red flags across the medical community. In recent years, more young adults under 50 are being diagnosed with this potentially deadly cancer, often at later stages. While overall colorectal cancer rates have declined due to better screening and awareness, a concerning trend has emerged: early-onset colorectal cancer is rising, and it’s not slowing down.

Doctors and researchers are urging younger individuals to take gastrointestinal symptoms seriously and advocate for screenings. Because when it comes to colorectal cancer, early detection isn’t just a best practice — it’s a life-saver.

Why Is This Happening?

While scientists haven’t pinpointed a single cause behind the increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, several lifestyle-related factors are under scrutiny. Diets high in red and processed meats, low fibre intake, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are all linked to increased colorectal cancer risk. Environmental exposures and even gut microbiome imbalances may also play a role.

Genetics contribute in some cases, but many young patients have no family history of the disease, leaving experts puzzled and concerned. What’s clear is that colorectal cancer is no longer just an “older person’s disease,” and that mindset needs to change fast.

Real Stories Underscore the Urgency

Behind the statistics are real people whose lives were upended by unexpected diagnoses. Sydney Stoner, a 27-year-old from Arkansas, had to lie about seeing blood in her stool to convince her doctors to order a colonoscopy. That decision may have saved her life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. After four years of treatment, her cancer is now considered stable.

In another case, Angelica McFall, a 48-year-old Nebraska woman with no symptoms or family history, was shocked to learn she had stage 3 colon cancer after her first routine colonoscopy. Thanks to timely intervention, she is now cancer-free and passionately encourages others to get screened.

William Lindley, 38, initially brushed off his symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It wasn’t until a colonoscopy revealed stage 4 colon cancer that he realised the danger of ignoring persistent stomach issues. He’s now urging others to pay closer attention to what their bodies are telling them.

Six Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Colorectal cancer can be sneaky, often developing without noticeable symptoms until it’s already in advanced stages. However, six warning signs can serve as potential red flags:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days)

• Blood in the stool (bright red or dark tarry stools)

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent fatigue or weakness

• A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, consult a doctor immediately.

Screenings Save Lives

Colonoscopies remain the most effective method for detecting colorectal cancer. The procedure allows doctors not only to identify cancerous growths but to remove precancerous polyps before they become dangerous. Despite being invasive, colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for a reason — they can prevent cancer from developing.

Other screening options include stool-based tests, which can be completed at home and detect blood or abnormal DNA in the stool. There are also blood-based tests and imaging scans, but these should often be followed up by a colonoscopy if results indicate something abnormal.

Dr. Cindy Kin, a surgeon at Stanford Health Care, emphasises the importance of screening: “Most polyps and cancers are not symptomatic, so don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked out.”

When to Get Screened

The American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should consider starting earlier. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine a plan tailored to your personal risk profile.

For people without symptoms or family history, screenings are typically recommended every 10 years. However, this interval may be shortened based on individual risk factors or if polyps are found during the procedure.

The Medical Community Is Taking Note

Healthcare providers are being urged to listen more carefully to younger patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms — especially as the old assumptions about age and risk no longer hold. Dr. Babak Firoozi, a gastroenterologist in California, warns, “Any concerning symptoms should be addressed, regardless of age.”

Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, echoes this call to action: “Colon cancer is now a young person’s disease. Don’t dismiss blood in the stool or unexpected weight loss as something minor.”

A Curable Cancer — If Caught Early

The key message from experts is this: colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. But survival rates drop sharply as the disease progresses, underscoring the urgency of early screening and self-advocacy.

Dr. Katherine Van Loon, an oncologist at UCSF, puts it bluntly: “This is a cancer that is entirely curable if we catch it early. Pay attention to your body and be prepared to self-advocate.”

Final Thoughts

Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease confined to older generations. Its silent march into younger demographics demands awareness, vigilance, and action. Whether it’s through regular screenings, recognising symptoms, or simply trusting your gut when something feels off — your health could depend on it.

Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t assume you’re too young. Get screened, speak up, and encourage those around you to do the same. Because when it comes to colorectal cancer, catching it early can mean the difference between life and death.