The rising risk of colorectal cancer in young adults

Overview: Do you think colorectal cancer only affects older adults? Think again. The risk of colorectal cancer in younger adults is on the rise. Know the facts.

Colorectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer) is often considered a disease of older adults, but that mindset is changing. 

Cases are rising at an alarming rate among younger adults, even though deaths from colorectal cancer have decreased since the mid-80s due to increased screening,

• 10% of U.S. colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50, with those numbers increasing 1-2% each year.
• Young adults are the only group experiencing an increase in colon cancer.
• Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer among young men ages 20 to 49. 

While the cause of this significant jump is mostly unknown, understanding your risks and early detection can help slow and reverse this trend.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods and low in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can increase your risk.

Gut health

Changes in your gut microbiome can lead to inflammation and metabolic changes. These changes may contribute to colorectal cancer, including early onset cases.

Chronic inflammation, often driven by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can also increase your risk.

Genetics

Most cases of early-onset colorectal cancer do not have a genetic link. However, certain hereditary conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), significantly raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer at a younger age.

Steps to reduce your risk

While the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults is concerning, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine.
• Understand the warning signs: Recognize the warning signs of colorectal cancer. While symptoms may vary, some of the warning signs include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, iron deficiency, anemia and fatigue.  
• Know when to begin screening: The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend you start screening at age 45. If you have a family history or other risk factors, you may benefit from screening at an even earlier age. Discuss screening options with your health care provider to decide the right approach.

By adopting healthy habits and staying vigilant about risk factors and warning signs, you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and improve your long-term health. 

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.