Although colorectal cancer rates have declined in the U.S. in the last 20 years, new diagnoses among those under age 45 are rising. One in four St. Louis adults surveyed (26%) heard about the rising rates in the last week.
What are the age trends in colon cancer?
From 1995 to 2019, the proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases that occurred in people under age 55 doubled to 20%, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). New cases of advanced-stage CRC increased by about 3% annually among those under 50. ACS projected 19,550 cases and 3,750 deaths in this age group in 2023. CRC cases in very young adults are rare but also rising; nearly doubling among those ages 20-24 from 1999-2020, says WebMD.
Why the increase in younger people?
We’re not sure. Researchers are exploring possible reasons including diet changes, higher rates of obesity, and changes in gut bacteria. The rise in CRC cases in younger adults is not limited to the U.S. From 1943 to 2017, early-onset CRC rates rose in 27 out of 50 countries. In 14 countries, including the U.S., rates are increasing among young adults while stabilizing in those aged 50 and older.
Ironically, fewer younger adults are hearing about it
In this week’s survey of adults in MO, NE, GA, and NC, those ages 50 and older were more likely than those younger than 50 to have heard about rising CRC rates in young people (37% vs 25%). Black and White respondents (31%) were more likely to hear it than Hispanics (24%).
Colon cancer screening
Because 30% of CRC cases occur in people with a family history of CRC, screening begins at age 40 or earlier for those with a family history and age 45 for others. The main screening options are stool tests and colonoscopy. Screening can find pre-cancerous growths so they can be removed and can identify cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Watch for symptoms
Common signs of colon cancer include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, and changes in bowel habits like diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools. Unexplained fatigue or low energy due to anemia can also be a symptom. If you experience these, tell your doctor.
Spread awareness in St. Louis
Share the resources below to help younger St. Louis adults stay informed about CRC.
About this week’s report
This week’s alert is based on a survey of 382 adult residents in St. Louis, MO (n = 189), Omaha, NE (n = 85), Atlanta, GA (n = 59), and North Carolina, NC (n=49) conducted from March 22-24, 2025. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
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Routine screening can be #cancer prevention, because #ColorectalCancer doesn’t always have symptoms. Routine screening can save lives!
#iHeardSTL #ColonCancer #ScreeningSavesLives #CancerPrevention
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