Colorectal cancer rates are rising among adults younger than 65 years across the United States

Although rates of colorectal cancer are declining among older adults, those 65 and younger are facing a rise in diagnoses, according to a report titled Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2026, from the American Cancer Society.

Adults 65 and younger make up nearly half (45%) of all newcomers Cases of colorectal cancer – a significant increase from 27% in 1995, says the report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

The disease spreads fastest among adults aged 20 to 49 years, at a rate of 3% annually.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 years of age. (Istock)

Among adults aged 50 years or younger, 75% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Half of the diagnoses in this age group are made between the ages of 45 and 49 years. Although this age group is eligible to receive routine checkups, only 37% do so.

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The report also revealed that rectal cancer is on the rise, and now accounts for around a third (32%) of all colorectal cancer cases – an increase from 27% in the mid-2000s.

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“after Decades of progress“The risk of dying from colorectal cancer is increasing in younger generations of men and women, underscoring a real rise in disease caused by something we do or are otherwise exposed to,” Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director for surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, said in a press release.

Among adults aged 50 years or younger, 75% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Half of the diagnoses in this age group are made between the ages of 45 and 49 years. (Istock)

“We need to double down Research efforts To understand why, but also to circumvent deaths through early detection by educating doctors and the general public about symptoms and increasing screening in people aged 45 to 54 years.

It is expected that 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year, and the disease will cause 55,230 deaths, according to the report.

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More than half of CRC cases can be linked to high-risk behaviors, the researchers said. These include nutritional deficiencies, high alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise And obesity.

“These findings also confirm that colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger generations and highlight the immediate need for eligible adults to begin screening at the recommended age of 45,” said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society.

When the disease is detected at a local (early) stage, the five-year survival rate is 95%. (Istock)

“The report also highlights the critical importance of continuity Research funding “To help discover new treatments to treat disease and enhance patient care.”

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The report stated that when the disease is detected at a local (early) stage, the five-year survival rate reaches 95%.

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