Colon Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Adults Are Rising—But So Is Early Detection

Why earlier screenings and shifting risk awareness are helping adults under 50 detect colorectal cancer before it spreads.

A Quiet Shift with Life-Saving Consequences

Colorectal cancer has long been framed as a disease that targets older adults. But data from the past decade shows a troubling reversal: cases among adults under 50 are on the rise, even as overall rates decline in older populations. And yet, amidst that worrying trend, something remarkable is starting to happen.

A recent analysis from the American Cancer Society found that early-stage diagnoses among adults aged 45 to 49 jumped by nearly 50% over the past three years. Much of this change stems from updated screening guidelines and a greater awareness of symptoms among younger adults. In other words, people are catching it before it catches them.

The recommendation to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45—updated by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2021—is now reshaping how both doctors and patients approach risk, especially for millennials and Gen Xers.

“We’re seeing more early-stage detections, and that’s a good thing,” said Dr. Kimmie Ng, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “But the rise in cases under 50 should concern everyone.”

What's Driving the Surge?

While the causes of rising colorectal cancer cases in young adults remain under investigation, several contributing factors are in play:

• Increased awareness and online health literacy

• Wider access to at-home stool tests

• Employer-covered preventive care under the Affordable Care Act

• Growing popularity of preventive health checkups among younger adults

According to the CDC, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.—but it’s also one of the most preventable, particularly when caught early.

Colon Cancer Diagnoses in Adults Aged 45–49

Source: American Cancer Society, 2024 Colorectal Cancer Report

Year	Diagnoses per 100,000
2015	8.4
2017	9.1
2019	10.7
2021	12.3
2023	14.6

Early Screening Is Now the Norm—Not the Exception

Many physicians are now proactively recommending colonoscopies and FIT tests for patients turning 45, especially those with a family history of colorectal cancer. Clinics are also integrating reminders into digital health portals like MyChart, nudging patients to act.

Even insurance companies are stepping up. Under ACA preventive care mandates, colonoscopies and certain stool-based tests are now covered at no cost.

“There’s still a stigma about colonoscopies, but newer screening options are changing that,” said gastroenterologist Dr. Folasade May, a health equity researcher at UCLA. “We have to meet younger patients where they are—digitally, culturally, and behaviorally.”

What This Means for Public Health

We may be entering a new era in cancer prevention—one shaped less by fear and more by informed action. And for millennials, who often face overlapping health concerns related to stress, diet, and sedentary lifestyles, this trend marks a crucial step toward taking control.

In a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found that individuals screened before age 50 were nearly twice as likely to catch the cancer in its most treatable stage compared to those diagnosed later. This early detection translates into longer survival rates, reduced treatment costs, and improved quality of life.

Final Thought

It’s not just about colonoscopies. It’s about a generational shift in how we treat health: proactive, preventative, and unapologetically informed.

If you’re 45 or older, don’t wait for symptoms. Schedule a screening. It’s one appointment that could save your life.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or licensed mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.