Colorectal cancer becomes leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50

Jul 25, 2026

Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death for adults under 50, with cases in those under 54 nearly doubling in three decades. The American College of Surgeons has released new educational resources to help younger patients recognize symptoms like rectal bleeding and persistent bowel changes, which are often dismissed. Screening is recommended at age 45 for average-risk adults.

Colorectal cancer in younger adults

▪Approximately 1 in 5 colorectal cancer cases now occurs in people younger than 54, up from 1 in 10 three decades ago.
▪About 1 in 25 men and women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
▪Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among people younger than 50.
▪Symptoms of colorectal cancer in younger patients are often misattributed to less serious conditions like hemorrhoids or constipation.

Bowel habit changes

▪Unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, weakness, reduced appetite, nausea, or vomiting may also indicate an underlying medical problem.
▪Warning signs of colorectal cancer can include persistent changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or unusually narrow stools.
▪A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely, or rectal pressure, can also be a symptom of colorectal cancer.

Rectal bleeding significance

▪The 2025 study found rectal bleeding increased the odds of a colorectal cancer diagnosis by 8.5 times for symptomatic patients under 50.
▪Recurring blood in the stool is an important warning sign for colorectal cancer.
▪A study presented at the ACS Clinical Congress 2025 found rectal bleeding was the strongest predictor of a colorectal cancer diagnosis in patients under 50.

Screening recommendations

▪Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel conditions may need to begin screening earlier than age 45.
▪The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
▪Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening because it can both identify cancer and remove precancerous polyps.
▪Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when found early.

ACS educational resources

▪The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has introduced free public education resources and a checklist for patients to use before appointments.
▪The ACS materials aim to help patients recognize symptoms and have focused conversations with their doctors about colorectal cancer concerns.