Trending Now - Colorectal Cancer Becomes Top Cause of Deaths Under 50 in US
WHO:
Becca Lynch, diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at age 29 in 2025.
Rebecca Siegel, epidemiologist and senior director of cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News.
Dr. Timothy Cannon, director of the Molecular Tumor Board and co-director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at Inova in Virginia.
Dr. Michael Martin, California physician.
Prosanta Chakrabarty, evolutionary biologist diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in 2024.
WHAT:
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in the US for people under 50.
Adults aged 65 and younger comprise 45% of all new colorectal cancer cases, up from 27% in 1995.
Approximately 75% of people under 50 have advanced colorectal cancer at diagnosis.
Official health agencies recommend colorectal cancer screenings start at age 45 and continue through age 75 for adults at average risk.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, typically performed every 10 years for average-risk adults.
Symptoms warranting earlier screenings include ongoing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and family history of colorectal cancer.
WHERE:
Denver, Colorado (Becca Lynch's location).
Virginia (Dr. Timothy Cannon's location).
California (Dr. Michael Martin's location).
Alaska (noted for high colorectal cancer mortality rates).
WHEN:
Becca Lynch was diagnosed in 2025.
Prosanta Chakrabarty was diagnosed in 2024.
The analysis from the American Cancer Society was published in 2026.
WHY:
The rise in colorectal cancer among younger people is linked to a "birth cohort effect," suggesting exposure to risk factors introduced in the mid-20th century.
Increased consumption of processed foods and microplastics are potential contributors to the rise in colorectal cancer.
HOW:
Stool-based tests like Cologuard and the FIT test can be used to detect potential cancer indicators.
Colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Early evaluation and screening can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps.
(UPDATED March 12, 2026 17:21 UTC)
Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for individuals under 50, with nearly 75% of those diagnosed under this age presenting with advanced stages of the disease. Recent data from the American Cancer Society highlights that adults aged 65 and younger now account for 45% of all new colorectal cancer cases, a significant increase from 27% in 1995, prompting health officials to recommend screenings starting at age 45. Experts suggest that factors such as increased processed food consumption and exposure to microplastics may be contributing to this alarming trend, emphasizing the importance of early detection through methods like colonoscopy and stool-based tests.