Rates of Colorectal Cancer Rising in Younger People
3/12/2026
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. and the statistics on the rates by age have surprised the medical community. Between 2012 and 2021, more colorectal cancer cases have been identified in adults under 50 each year while the rates for adults 50 and older have been going down over the same period. The American Cancer Society estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be found in 2025.
Murugan Athigaman, M.D., general surgeon at Carlsbad Medical Center, says colorectal cancer screening is a critical tool to fight the disease, because precancerous growths can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer. The American Cancer Society and US Preventive Services task force both recommend the age to start screening for colorectal cancers is 45 for those at average risk.
For patients at higher risk, their physician may advise having an initial screening before age 45 or more frequent screening. These risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or of certain types of polyps;
- A personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease;
- A history of radiation in the abdomen or pelvis, in treatment of previous cancer(s);
- A genetic and hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
In addition to colonoscopy, several other types of tests can screen for colorectal cancer. While fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool test may also be used, colonoscopy remains the most commonly used screening because it is the only way to directly visualize the colon. Additionally, colonoscopy is not only diagnostic but therapeutic, as most pre-cancerous polyps are removed during the procedure.
“While we are doing a better job of screening for and removing polyps before they become cancerous, the overall lifestyle and diet choices of our population are driving up the risk and incidence of these cancers,” says Dr. Athigaman.
Dr. Athigaman says that beyond regular screenings, there are a number of lifestyle factors you can manage to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include maintaining a healthy body weight; minimizing red meats and processed meats in your diet; avoiding smoking; and limiting your alcohol intake. “Adding protective foods to your diet such as low-fat dairy products, fresh garlic, and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and spinach may also be helpful,” he said.
Dr. Athigaman also recommends following the “New American Plate” rule or “2/3” rule. As a simple way to visualize this diet, remember that 2/3 of your plate should include plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, and 1/3 of your plate should be animal protein such as poultry, fish, or the occasional lean red meat.
Depending on your age, a colonoscopy screening may be a covered wellness test under your insurance plan – and most plans cover a colonoscopy completely as a follow-up test or diagnostic tool.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, or have reached age 45 or more, talk with your primary care provider to see if it’s time for you to begin screening, which test is right for you and how frequently to be screened. To find a provider, visit www.PecosValleyDocs.com.
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