{"id":13773,"date":"2026-02-02T21:03:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:03:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=13773"},"modified":"2026-02-02T21:03:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:03:34","slug":"colorectal-cancer-is-rising-in-young-adults-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2026\/02\/02\/colorectal-cancer-is-rising-in-young-adults-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Young Adults: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Jamin Morrison, MD, MBA
\nHead, Division of Hematology\/Medical Oncology<\/em>
\nMD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper <\/em><\/p>\n

Colorectal cancer, once viewed as being mostly diagnosed among middle-aged and older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. Research shows more people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed with colon cancer, with incidence rising steadily over the past three decades. Additionally, two-thirds of the younger patients are diagnosed in Stage III and IV \u2013 more advanced stages of the disease.<\/p>\n

Deaths from colon cancer are on the rise too, with a recent study finding colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men \u2013 and second in women under age 50.<\/p>\n

Experts emphasize that this trend may result from multiple factors, including diet (high ultra-processed foods and processed meats, lower fiber intake), obesity, and lifestyle. Smoking and heavy alcohol use remain risk factors, and a family history or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome, along with inflammatory bowel diseases, can raise risk.<\/p>\n

While researchers don\u2019t completely understand why colorectal cancer is rising among younger adults, the message is clear: early onset colorectal cancer is real, and awareness is essential. Taking action now can help catch cancer earlier or reduce risk.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you can do:<\/p>\n