Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Skyrocketing in Young Adults—Is Your Lifestyle Putting You at Risk? 

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2025 alone, there will be 154,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the USA[1]. CRC develops in the soft tissues of a patient’s digestive system – often in the lining of the colon or rectum.

The devastating reach of CRC is global, with recent studies revealing that one in 24 men and one in 26 women, world-wide, will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime¹.

This recent ACS report casts a spotlight on an emerging and highly concerning fact — one in five people diagnosed with CRC are now under the age of 55. Even younger, generally healthy adults are being affected ^[2].  

Since the mid-1990s, there has been a consistent annual increase of 2% in cases among adults aged 20-39.  Experts believe a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and an increased consumption of processed foods and red meat are all at play behind the rise of CRC^[3].

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and in an effort to help reduce CRC’s devastating global impact, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is breaking down everything you need to know about this staggering trend.  

The Risk Factors

There are several things to keep in mind when considering your risk of developing CRC. Some risk factors like lifestyle related factors are within your control. There are also genetic and hereditary factors that are beyond a person’s control. The most important questions to ask yourself are:

• What are my risk factors?
• Do I understand them?
• Am I informed enough to make a proactive choice that could mitigate my risk of CRC?

Making Good Dietary and Lifestyle Choices Decreases Your Risk

What you eat and how you live can significantly impact your risk: 

• High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diet – Diets high in processed and red meats but low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables are known to increase the risk of CRC. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests limiting the consumption of processed foods and red meat to 12-18 oz a week to reduce risk ⁷. 
• Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle – A lack of physical activity and excessive weight are linked to higher CRC rates. Try taking a walk each day for 30 to 60 minutes and consult your primary care physician if you have concerns.
• Smoking & Alcohol Consumption – Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol use have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing CRC.  Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption may help lower your risk—talk to your doctor about resources to help you make healthier choices today.

 So, What’s Beyond My Control?

• Age – As with other cancers, the risk of CRC increases with age, especially after 50.
• Family History & Genetics – A family history of CRC or colon polyps raises your risk. Many inherited genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome, MYH-associated polyposis, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can also increase the risk of CRC. 
• Chronic Conditions – Inflammatory bowel diseases like chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can lead to long-term colon inflammation, raising cancer risk⁵

Patients suffering from any of the above hereditary conditions should consult their doctor about proactive screening.

The Care Gap

Healthcare disparities including access to early screening and diagnostics, are also contributors to spike in rates of CRC. African Americans and Non-Hispanic American Indians/Alaska Natives are at a higher risk based on these factors and have the highest death rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Much of this risk emanates from lack of access to healthcare, economic factors, diet choices, and trust in healthcare^[4],[5].

Listen to Your Body: Know the Symptoms 

It’s crucial to pay attention to your body and know the potential symptoms of colorectal cancer. These can include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation), blood in your stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and low iron levels. If you experience any of these symptoms, there’s no reason to panic or be embarrassed, just schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor. 

Early Detection Saves Lives 

The amazing thing about CRC is that it’s often preventable or treatable, especially when caught early. That’s why annual screenings are important. Guidelines generally recommend scheduling regular screenings beginning at age 45, but if you have risk factors, you may want to start sooner.  

Your doctor will likely offer a couple of options: 

• Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard. A long, flexible tube with a camera is used to screen the entire colon and rectum. 
• Stool Tests: These tests check your blood for other signs of cancer, like DNA from abnormal cells in your stool. 

Beyond a colonoscopy and stool tests, which are standard and often covered by insurance providers, there are new advanced screening methods being developed that hold the power to revolutionize CRC screening.

In July 2024, the FDA approved the first-ever blood test for colon cancer screening^[6], offering a simpler, less invasive alternative to traditional methods. This test works by detecting tiny fragments of DNA shed by tumor cells into the bloodstream, helping to identify colorectal cancer early when it’s most treatable. These tests, though relatively new and not yet recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Program(NCCN), are changing the landscape for early detection and are covered by Medicare for certain at risk populations ^[7].

Treatment Options: There’s Hope! 

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, know that there are many effective treatment options available. These options range from surgery to remove the cancer tissues and chemotherapy to target remaining cancer cells, and also immunotherapy. The stage of cancer and its molecular properties will ultimately determine your course of treatment.  

• For early-stage cancer, surgery may be sufficient, sometimes followed by chemotherapy or radiation, depending on certain genetic and molecular features of the tumor. 
• For more advanced stages, treatment often involves a combination of surgery and follow-up chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy to help your immune system fight cancer. 

Let’s Spread the Word! 

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month let’s break the taboo and talk about our gut health! Share this blog post with your friends and family. Encourage them to get screened and to be aware of the symptoms. Together, we can unite for a world immune to cancer. 

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Sources

[1] American Cancer Society Releases New Colorectal Cancer Statistics; Rapid Shifts to More Advanced Disease and Younger People

[2] The Alarming Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Millennials

[3] Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors | Hereditary Colorectal Risk Factors | American Cancer Society

[4] Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors | Hereditary Colorectal Risk Factors | American Cancer Society

[5] Colorectal Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts

[6] Shield – P230009 | FDA

[7] Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage | Medicare