Colorectal Cancer Rising in Younger Adults: What Crossroads Residents Need to Know

2/20/2026

Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States — and doctors are now seeing a concerning trend: more cases appearing in adults younger than 50.

While screening and prevention efforts have helped lower rates among older adults, diagnoses in younger patients have steadily increased over the past decade. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 154,000 new colon and rectal cancer cases will be diagnosed nationwide in 2025.

Local physicians say early detection remains the most powerful tool to prevent serious disease.

“Colorectal cancer often starts as a precancerous polyp that we can remove before it ever becomes cancer,” said Dr. Mark Tullos, general surgeon with DeTar Medical Group. “That’s why screening is so important — we’re not just detecting cancer early, we’re preventing it entirely.”

Screening now starts earlier

Medical guidelines now recommend screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk.

For higher-risk individuals, screening may need to begin sooner or occur more frequently. Risk factors include:

• Family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Prior abdominal or pelvic radiation treatment
• Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

“Many people assume colon cancer is an older person’s disease, but we’re seeing patients in their 30s and 40s,” Tullos said. “If you have symptoms or a family history, don’t wait — talk to your doctor.”

Screening options available close to home

While colonoscopy remains the gold standard, several screening methods are available:

• Colonoscopy
• Stool DNA tests
• Fecal occult blood testing
• CT (virtual) colonoscopy

Most insurance plans cover screening colonoscopies, and many also cover follow-up diagnostic procedures when needed.

Lifestyle matters, too

Physicians say lifestyle choices play a growing role in colorectal cancer risk.

“Screening is critical, but prevention starts long before that,” Tullos said. “Diet, weight, activity level and smoking all influence risk. We’re seeing rising cases partly because of lifestyle factors affecting younger generations.”

Ways to reduce risk include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limiting red and processed meats
• Avoiding tobacco
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Managing Type 2 diabetes

Don’t wait for symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms early. When symptoms do occur, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss or persistent abdominal pain.

“If you’re 45 or older — or younger with risk factors — now is the time to schedule screening,” Tullos said. “Detecting polyps early can literally save your life.”

To start the conversation with a provider on scheduling a screening, visit www.MyDeTarDoctor.com.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Cancer Institute

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