Your 40s can be an exciting chapter of life — filled with career milestones, travel adventures, and memorable moments with family and friends. What you probably don’t expect during this time is a conversation with your doctor about cancer — especially colorectal cancer.
But here’s the reality: rates of colorectal cancer are rising sharply among adults under 50, and it’s becoming a growing health concern for middle-aged adults.
Why Is Colon Cancer Increasing in Younger Adults?
Historically, colon cancer was considered a disease that typically appeared later in life — around ages 60 to 75. However, new trends show a concerning rise in young-onset colorectal cancer (YO-CRC) — meaning people under 50 are being diagnosed at alarming rates. 1 This new classification now accounts for nearly 10% of all newly diagnosed colon cancer cases. 2
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age.3,4 In response to this sharp increase, the recommended age to begin screening has recently been lowered from 50 to 45. 5
Doctors and researchers estimate that in the next decade 25% of rectal cancers and 10-12% of colon cancers will occur in adults under 50. 6
This shift is significant — and it’s why staying proactive about screening and paying attention to your body is critical.
Why Screening Is So Important — Even Without Symptoms
One of the most concerning things about colorectal cancer is that it can develop without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms like fatigue, blood in your stool, or abdominal pain appear, the cancer may already be advanced.
It’s easy to brush off these warning signs as something minor — like symptoms of stress, lack of sleep, or diet changes — but catching colorectal cancer early can save your life. Instead of writing these issues off, it’s always better to bring them up with your doctor so they can evaluate if they are linked to something more serious.
Signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools)
- Blood in the stool (even small amounts)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Abdominal pain or cramping that doesn’t go away
If you notice any of these symptoms — don’t wait. Call your doctor. Early detection is critical.
Who Is at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, certain factors increase your risk:
- Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol use, or being overweight.
- Family History: If you have a parent, sibling, or child who’s been diagnosed with colon cancer, your risk is significantly higher.
- Age: Even if you're under 50, you are now part of the growing population at risk.
The good news? Screening can prevent colon cancer or catch it early when it’s highly treatable.
Your Screening Options
Screening is easier than you think — and there’s more than one way to do it:
1. Colonoscopy
- Recommended every 10 years for average-risk adults. For adults at high risk, testing may be more frequent and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
- This outpatient procedure takes between 30-60 minutes and detects and removes abnormal growths (polyps) that can turn into cancer.
- Preparation includes fasting and consuming a liquid or pill laxative.
2. At-Home Stool Test (like Cologuard®)
- A convenient, mail-in test that detects abnormal DNA or blood in your stool.
- Recommended every 3 years for average-risk adults.
- If the test detects anything abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed.
Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you based on your health history and lifestyle.
Protect Your Health — Don’t Delay Screening
It’s easy to think, “I’m too young for this” or “I’m healthy, so I’m not at risk.” But the reality is that colorectal cancer is showing up more frequently — and more aggressively — in younger adults.
Taking action now could save your life. Whether it’s scheduling your first colonoscopy or opting for an at-home test, prioritizing your health is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Don’t wait. Talk to your doctor today about your screening options — and encourage your friends, siblings, or spouse to do the same. Catching it early could make all the difference.
References
1. Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Young-Onset CRC Facts. Accessed via: https://colorectalcancer.org/resources-support/community-support/young-onset-support/young-onset-crc-facts. 2025.
2. Zaborowski AM, Abdile A, Adamina M, et al; REACCT Collaborative. Characteristics of early-onset vs late-onset colorectal cancer: a review. JAMA Surg. 2021;156(9):865-874
3. ASCO Daily. Adapting the CRC Treatment Landscape to Address the Rise in Incidence and Complex Needs of Patients with Early-Onset Disease.
4. American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2025.
5. Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. ; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. Published online May 18, 2021. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.62
6. Bailey CE, Hu CY, You YN, et al. Increasing disparities in the age-related incidences of colon and rectal cancers in the United States, 1975-2010. JAMA Surg. 2015;150(1):17-22.