Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum — the final stretch of your digestive system. It may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s an important one. Over the past 20 years, the United States has seen both encouraging progress and some concerning trends when it comes to colon cancer rates.
The Encouraging News: Screening Is Working
Thanks to increased screening, colorectal cancer rates have declined overall.
• Incidence rates have dropped from 78.2 to 50.8 per 100,000 people.
• Among adults age 65 and older, rates fell by about 3% per year between 2011–2016.
• As more people receive colonoscopies, doctors are finding and removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
In short: screening works. It’s not anyone’s favorite appointment — but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have.
The Concerning Trend: Rising Cases in Younger Adults
At the same time, colorectal cancer is increasing in younger adults.
• Since the mid-1990s, rates in adults under 50 have risen about 2% per year, nearly doubling.
• In 1995, about 1 in 10 colorectal cancer diagnoses were in adults younger than 55.
• By 2019, that number grew to 1 in 5 diagnoses.
Colorectal cancer is no longer just something to think about “later in life.” Paying attention to symptoms and knowing your risk matters at every age.
Why Is This Happening?
Researchers believe several factors may be contributing:
• Less movement. Our bodies were designed to move — and long hours of sitting don’t do our colons any favors.
• Diet changes. Many diets now include fewer fiber-rich foods and more ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, which may affect gut health. (Your gut microbiome really does care what you feed it.)
• Later diagnosis. Routine screening begins at age 45, and symptoms in younger adults may sometimes be mistaken for minor issues such as hemorrhoids.
The Most Important Takeaway
Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable — and even curable — when detected early. That’s why screening matters so much.
What Can I Do?
• Start screening at age 45.
For those at average risk:
• Stool-based testing (such as Cologuard): A simple, non-invasive at-home test. If results are normal, screening is typically repeated every 3 years.
• Colonoscopy: Considered the gold standard. If results are normal, it is usually repeated every 10 years.
You may need earlier or more frequent screening if you have:
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD or Crohn’s disease)
• Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, or significant changes in bowel habits
Talking about colon health might not top your list of favorite conversations — but taking action could quite literally save your life.
If you have questions or would like to talk about screening, schedule a visit with a primary care provider at Promise. We’re here to help you stay healthy — from start to finish.
Source: https://colorectalcancer.org/