The Alarming Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

 

Colorectal cancer used to be something doctors saw mostly in older adults. But now, more people under 50 are being diagnosed with it. This change is raising serious concerns for doctors, researchers, and patients.

If you’re a young adult in Birmingham or anywhere else in Alabama, it’s time to learn why this is happening—and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Numbers Are Rising

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. for both men and women. But what’s surprising is how much the rates have gone up in younger adults.

A study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a 51% increase in colorectal cancer among people under 50 between 1994 and 2014. This jump highlights a growing shift that public health experts are working hard to understand.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates among younger adults have continued to rise, even as rates in older adults have gone down thanks to routine screenings. That’s why conversations around early detection, symptoms, and lifestyle choices are becoming even more important.

This trend has also made colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. when combining men and women. While overall death rates have declined due to better treatments and early detection, deaths among younger people have not followed the same pattern.

Why Are Young People Getting Colorectal Cancer?

There isn’t just one reason. Researchers believe it’s a combination of genetics, environmental exposure, and shifts in diet and behavior over time. Here are some of the most common risk factors linked to this trend:

Genetics and Family History

If someone in your immediate family has developed colorectal cancer, your risk goes up. Inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly raise the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Even without a formal diagnosis of these syndromes, having a family history of this or any related cancers should prompt earlier and more frequent screenings.

Diet and Gut Health

Diets high in red meat, processed meats, and low in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to chronic inflammation—both potential triggers for cancer growth. In many cases, lifestyle changes over recent decades, including increased fast food consumption, may be partly responsible for this trend.

Obesity and Physical Inactivity

Being overweight, especially if you carry extra weight around your abdomen, has been linked to a higher risk of various cancers. Pair that with a sedentary lifestyle (even more common now in the era of computer-based and remote work), and you increase the likelihood of long-term inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances, all of which may encourage tumor growth.

Smoking and Alcohol Use

Tobacco and excessive alcohol intake remain known carcinogens. Long-term use can damage the lining of the colon and rectum, increasing your risk of colorectal cancer, especially when combined with other factors.

Why Diagnoses Are Often Delayed

One big problem? Most young people don’t expect to get colorectal cancer. Many doctors don’t expect it either.

Many younger adults brush off symptoms as diet-related or stress-related. Physicians may do the same, especially if there's no known family history. That means symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unusual bowel changes may be misattributed to other ailments, like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome.

This delay in diagnosis is why so many colorectal cancer patients under 50 are diagnosed at later stages of the disease, when treatment options are more limited and outcomes are often worse. That’s why it’s so important to speak up if something feels off—and why healthcare providers should take symptoms seriously, even in younger patients.

Know the Symptoms

Understanding the warning signs of colorectal cancer can help you act quickly. If you notice any of the following symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider:

• Blood in your stool (bright red or dark)
• Ongoing changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool that lasts longer than a few days)
• Ongoing abdominal discomfort, such as cramps or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Even if these symptoms seem mild or inconsistent, don’t ignore them. Catching cancer early—when it’s still localized—can dramatically increase your chances of survival and reduce the intensity of treatment.

When Should You Get Screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 for people at average risk. But if you have a family history or other risk factors, you might need to start even earlier.

There are several ways to get screened for colorectal cancer, including:

• Stool DNA tests: Like Cologuard®, these detect changes in DNA and signs of blood in the stool.
• Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT): This checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of cancer.
• Colonoscopy: This is the most thorough method. It allows doctors to view the entire colon and remove polyps during the procedure.

In Birmingham, the team at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute can help you understand your options and decide what makes sense for you.

Prevention Starts with Everyday Choices

You can’t control your genes, but you can make healthier choices that lower your risk:

• Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Cut back on red and processed meats.
• Stay active with regular exercise.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Keep a healthy weight.

Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

What We’re Seeing in Alabama

Here at the Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, we’ve seen more young patients being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in recent years. It’s a trend that mirrors national findings and affects both men and women.

Many of these patients are otherwise healthy, active, and without a known family history. Some were unaware they were even at risk until they experienced serious symptoms. In others, the cancer was found incidentally during exams for unrelated issues. These stories underscore why early detection and symptom awareness are so important, even for people in their 30s and 40s.

A Final Word on Awareness

To younger adults: your risk may be low, but it isn’t zero. Colorectal cancer in young adults is on the rise, and being informed is your first line of defense. If you’ve experienced persistent symptoms or have concerns about your family history, speak up. You don’t need to wait until you’re older to take your health seriously.

No one wants to face a cancer diagnosis, especially at a young age. But when caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable—and that’s why this conversation matters.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs—Get Screened Early at the Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute

If you’re under 50 and experiencing unexplained digestive symptoms, don’t wait to get checked. Colorectal cancer is no longer just a risk for older adults, and early detection can make all the difference.

At Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute in Birmingham, our experienced team provides expert care, advanced screening options, and compassionate support. Schedule an appointment today and take a proactive step toward protecting your health.
Contact us today online or by calling (205) 458-5000 to schedule a consultation and explore the best treatment options for your specific needs.

• Previous