Women's Health March 3, 2026 0 Comments

Shocking Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: What Every Fitness Enthusiast Needs to Know Now

You ever wonder why something as unexpected as colorectal cancer is making a sudden surge in younger people—those who should be in their prime, not worrying about this stuff? Yeah, me too. Recent research is ringing alarm bells, showing that colorectal cancer rates are climbing fast among adults under 65, and the causes aren’t crystal clear yet. Could it be our increasingly sedentary lifestyles or the food we shove down without a second thought? Whatever it is, it’s serious business. And if you’ve noticed any unusual changes in your bathroom habits, don’t wait it out—get checked. This isn’t just old folks’ business anymore; young adults are now in the crosshairs, and it’s time to pay attention before it pays you a visit. Let’s dive into what the latest data says and what top experts want you to know. LEARN MORE

5 min read

New research shows that colorectal cancers are increasing in people under 65.
Experts aren’t exactly sure what’s causing the rise in incidence, but they think lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and diet could play a part.
If you experience changes in bowel habits, experts say to seek a doctor’s opinion sooner rather than later.

There’s been a lot of focus on colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. over the past few years. While historically considered a disease that only older people developed, cases have been rapidly increasing in younger people. That includes celebrities like James Van Der Beek and Chadwick Boseman, who both died in their 40s from the disease.

Now, new data is out on colorectal cancer in the U.S., and it’s painting a grim picture for younger adults. “This is one of the most dramatic things we have seen in colorectal cancer care,” says Priyanka Kanth, MD, gastroenterologist and associate professor at the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

What does the data show, and what’s fueling this? Here’s what doctors want you to know.

Meet the experts: Priyanka Kanth, MD, gastroenterologist and associate professor at the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital; Nilesh Vora, MD, medical oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California; Marie L. Borum, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at George Washington University; Nikita Wagle, PhD, study co-author and principal scientist in cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society

What did the study find?

The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, analyzed data on colorectal cancer cases and deaths in the U.S. based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

First, the good news: Colorectal cancer cases declined by nearly 1 percent a year between 2013 and 2022, thanks to decreases of 2.5 percent each year in adults 65 and older.

But among adults ages 20 to 64, rates of colorectal cancer increased each year. For younger adults ages 20 to 49, rates increased the most, by 3 percent.

The researchers also discovered that rectal cancer cases now make up 32 percent of all colorectal cancer cases, up from 27 percent in the mid-2000s.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe cancers of the colon and rectum. These cancers “often begin as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum,” according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Finding and removing these pre-cancerous polyps via a colonoscopy can help prevent colorectal cancer.

Some of the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), are:

A change in your usual bowel habits (including diarrhea, constipation, or any other new bathroom changes).
Feeling like you need to poop after you just went.
Rectal bleeding (bright red blood).
Blood in your poop (this kind of bleeding can cause it to look dark brown or black).
Cramping or stomach pain.
Weakness and fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.

How concerned should people be about these findings?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S., and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In adults under the age of 50, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. So, the findings that colorectal cancer is increasing in younger populations (and within the group that’s most likely to die from it) are concerning.

Even more troubling: The recent report found that 75 percent of colorectal cancers diagnosed in adults under the age of 50 are advanced stage at diagnosis—meaning they’re harder to treat and are more likely to be deadly.

Why are colorectal cancers increasing in young people?

Unfortunately, no one knows right now. “The exact causes are not yet fully understood, but research suggests generational shifts in risk factors,” explains Nikita Wagle, PhD, study co-author and principal scientist in cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society. “Many established risk factors for colorectal cancer were identified based on older generations who experienced different lifetime exposures than younger generations today.”

Research suggests certain foods may spark inflammation in the body that can lead to colorectal cancer, says Nilesh Vora, MD, medical oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California. “There’s also data emerging about lack of exercise being an issue, and creating an increase in colon and rectal cancers,” Vora says, adding, “I think both of those things are playing a role.”

Kanth also warns about ultra-processed foods, citing a recent study that linked diets high in these foods with more polyps.

And if you’re curious whether the rising incidence rate is simply a result of doctors getting better at diagnosing cases of colorectal cancer…that unfortunately doesn’t seem to be the case. “Among adults aged 20 to 49, colorectal cancer incidence is increasing across both localized and advanced stages, indicating that this is not simply a detection phenomenon,” Wagle explains.

What can you do to lower your risk?

Genetics plays a role in whether you develop colorectal cancer, but that likely doesn’t explain the more recent increase in cases. For now, focus on what you have control over. “More than half of colorectal cancers are associated with modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, high alcohol intake, diet, inactivity, and excess body weight,” explains Marie L. Borum, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at George Washington University. “These factors are often under-recognized contributors to cancer development.” Doing what you can to avoid these can help to lower your risk, she says.

Borum also stresses the importance of taking your symptoms seriously as soon as you notice them. It’s easy to write off stomach pain or changes in your stool as a new food intolerance, but it’s important to get things checked out if things don’t get better. She notes that diagnosis can often be delayed because people don’t seek help for symptoms associated with colorectal cancer.

Historically, doctors didn’t even consider colorectal cancer as a possibility for younger adults, but that’s changing. “Fortunately, there is growing recognition that cancer can occur in young adults and that early detection is critical,” Borum says.

Vora points out that while health insurance doesn’t usually cover colorectal cancer screenings for prevention in people under the age of 45, any symptoms of colorectal cancer change the classification to a diagnostic workup, which insurance should cover.

“All individuals, including young adults, should seek medical attention for symptoms that can be associated with colorectal cancer,” Borum says. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.”

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.