Why is colorectal cancer on the rise in younger people?

The fact that colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon or rectum) has been declining over the last four decades in older adults is a promising sign.

Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is still the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women. And recently, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in younger adults.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the incidence of colorectal cancer for those age 54 or younger has been increasing by 2% per year. In 1995, one in 10 cases of colorectal cancer were in people age 54 or younger—in 2019, this number reached one in five. So in other words, the incidence in younger people has doubled. 

It’s not just individuals and medical providers who need to be aware of this changing (and concerning) landscape. Employers, too, should be cognizant of how colon and rectal cancers could impact their healthcare costs—and more importantly, their employees’ health and well-being.

The rising trend in colon and rectal cancers in younger adults

In addition to the fact that a higher percentage of younger adults are receiving colorectal cancer diagnoses, this population is also being diagnosed at later stages of the cancer more often.

Since about 2010, rates of later-stage colorectal cancer have increased by about 3% each year in people younger than 50. Meanwhile, these rates have stabilized in people 50 and up over a similar time period. From 2011 to 2020, the death rate increased by about 1% annually for those 50 years old and younger—in contrast, it decreased by 0.5% annually for those between the ages of 50 and 64 and 3% annually among those 65 and older.

To summarize: Not only are colorectal cancer diagnoses rates increasing in younger people, but deaths from colon cancer are too.

The New York Times reports colorectal cancer has become the top cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50, in America.

4 reasons why colorectal cancer may be rising in younger people

Because colorectal cancer has, in years past, primarily been considered an “older person’s” disease, it tends not to be something young adults screen for—although recent developments are encouraging individuals and doctors to start sooner. (In 2018, the ACS lowered the recommended age for regular screenings from 50 to 45). The occurrence of colorectal cancer is also hard to predict based on background alone: One recent NIH article notes that three out of four patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have no family history of the illness.

With the newly uncovered generational divide between rising cases in younger adults and decreasing cases in older adults, experts have begun attributing the rise in cases in young adults to a few different factors, including:

Lifestyle shifts

More evidence has arisen in recent years to suggest a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity could be linked to colorectal cancer.

One 2018 report found that 22,655 new cases of colorectal cancer in men and 10,812 new cases in women in 2017 could be attributed to obesity. Another 2019 study indicates spending time in front of a television excessively can raise the risk of young-onset colorectal cancer. In general, the New York Times reports, younger generations are consuming more red meat, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed foods and reporting higher levels of smoking and binge drinking—all of which pose the risk of cancer. At the beginning of 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory released a lengthy report outlining how alcohol is linked to common cancers and persists as one of the leading preventable causes.

Gut health

Some of the above lifestyle habits could have a big impact on an individual’s gut health, which is important to note because some research suggests our guts are to blame when it comes to early-onset colorectal cancer. A high-fat, low-fiber diet, for example, could increase inflammation in the gut that prevents it from naturally suppressing tumors, a WebMD recap of an American Society of Clinical Oncology conference from June reports.
 

 
Also last year, researchers backed by the National Cancer Institute found a link between a type of bacteria in the intestines, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and colorectal cancer growth. Because of these findings, experts are eager to further understand and follow how fungi, viruses, and bacteria in the stomach, intestines, and mouth might contribute to this disease and rising rates in young adults—and how this knowledge could aid in treatment.

Delayed screenings

When people don’t catch colorectal cancer early, or they aren’t motivated to get regular screenings and take other precautions, cases and deaths are naturally more likely to rise. Stigmas and misconceptions about colorectal cancer, like the fact that it’s only for people in their 60s or above, don’t help this cause.

There’s also the fear that screening (e.g., a colonoscopy) will be expensive or painful—however, there are now ways to screen at home without any discomfort, and for a reasonable cost, such as a stool test. (Quick disclaimer: The right test may be different based on your risk, and you may still need a colonoscopy for a definitive diagnosis. As always, it is best to discuss options with your doctor.)

Find more information on cancer screening guidelines here.

Lack of symptom awareness

Many young people don’t get screened for, or aren’t encouraged by doctors to screen for, colorectal cancer because they’re unaware of the symptoms associated with it. Small changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool might understandably get brushed off or misdiagnosed as other illnesses when, in reality, they’re some of the most common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.

What employers can do about it

Now that you’re more informed of the risks, trends, and data around colorectal cancer, what can you do as an organization to support staff and provide the right coverage, while also keeping costs low? Here are some ideas:

• Cover screenings for younger adults, even those under the recommended age of 45, as part of your insurance policies or supplementary benefits.
• Promote preventive screenings for all by partnering with a company that reminds employees when they’re eligible for each type of test and provides rewards, like coupons or cash offerings, for getting screened for common cancers.
• Invest in and widely distribute health and well-being solutions that tackle risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, such as nutrition, fitness, or substance use. This could be as simple as sponsoring gym memberships or diet consultations, and as comprehensive as a substance use treatment program like Carrum’s.
• Consider partnering with a value-based Centers of Excellence program like Carrum Health that offers both high-quality colonoscopies and tailored cancer treatment at a lower cost for both the employee and employer.

Rising colorectal cases in young adults is scary, no question. But we all have the power to lower the risk and rates for the younger generation if we take the necessary steps to address our habits and environment, and as a group put our money and attention toward targeted and preventive care.

Learn more about how to partner with Carrum Health here.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. No material is intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.