Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates Alarm Experts, Impacting Younger Generations
Boston, MA – October 10, 2025 – A concerning surge in colorectal cancer diagnoses among individuals under 50 is prompting urgent calls for increased awareness and preventative measures. Experts are reporting a significant shift in the typical patient profile, with a growing number of young adults experiencing this once largely age-related disease. The trend is challenging conventional screening guidelines and raising questions about the underlying causes driving this increase.
This shift is notably alarming because colorectal cancer is often preventable with early detection. The rising incidence in younger populations-those not routinely screened-means diagnoses are frequently occurring at later, more advanced stages, diminishing treatment options and survival rates. Dr.Kimmie Ng, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the importance of open communication about symptoms, even those that may feel uncomfortable to discuss. “It really is important to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle…eating a healthy diet,not smoking,not drinking early in life,” she stated.
Dr. Ng, also the founding director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center, stresses that even individuals maintaining healthy lifestyles are not immune. Factors present early in life still contribute to risk. Normalizing conversations about bodily changes and potential symptoms is crucial, according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who hosted a recent discussion on the topic. “It may feel awkward,but we do need to normalize those conversations,” Gupta noted.
The urgency stems from a clear need to re-evaluate preventative strategies and encourage proactive health discussions within families. Resources and further information are available through the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center’s website, linked in the show notes of Dr. gupta’s program, Chasing Life.
