Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the U.S. Once considered a disease that primarily affected older adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people with an increase in the death rate for this population as well. The good news is that awareness and screening are powerful tools in the fight against this disease.

Overall incidence rates in colorectal cancer have steadily declined since the mid 1980s due to increased screening activity and a shift in risk factor patterns. When it comes to younger people, the news is more sobering, with a 2.9% annual increase in incidence rates reported between 2013 and 2022 for those under age 50.

While overall death rates from colorectal cancer also have been on a downward trend, the story is different for younger individuals in this category also. Mortality rates in those younger than 55 years have seen a 1% increase annually since the mid-2000s.

What’s particularly concerning is that many of these younger patients are otherwise healthy, with no obvious risk factors or known genetic predispositions. In fact, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50 and the second for women in the same age group.

Experts at Hackensack Meridian Health and other institutions are observing this trend firsthand and are working to understand the contributing factors. While the exact causes are still being explored, it’s believed that a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors may play a role. These include a poor diet, characterized by high intake of processed meats, sugar and refined grains and low intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber. In addition, excessive alcohol and tobacco use, and a lack of physical activity – all considered modifiable risk factors. More than half of all colorectal cancers can be attributed to these factors, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited conditions, like Lynch syndrome, also can significantly increase your risk.

One of the most effective weapons against colorectal cancer is early detection with colonoscopy – considered the ‘gold standard’ screening method. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its screening recommendations in response to the rise in cases among younger adults, now advising that those at average risk begin screening at age 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic predisposition, or those with unusual gastrointestinal symptoms or changes in normal gastrointestinal function, should speak to their doctor about a screening schedule that’s right for them.

While the preparation for a colonoscopy can seem daunting and unpleasant, it is a small inconvenience compared to undergoing treatment for advanced cancer, which can involve surgery, chemotherapy, and more. The colonoscopy itself lasts about 30 minutes on average and is usually done with sedation making this a more comfortable procedure. While the patient is under sedation, a thin, flexible fiberoptic tube containing a small camera is inserted in the rectum where it is guided through the intestines to check for abnormalities. Colonoscopy enables polyps to be identified and removed before they develop into cancer. It can also address the disease at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat.

The impact of early detection on survival rates is dramatic. According to the CDC, nearly 89% of adults diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer live for five years or more. This is in stark contrast to the 16% five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with late-stage cancer. These numbers powerfully illustrate why screening is so crucial.

[Press Release]