Chris Kowalski, 36, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver after mild stomach and rib discomfort, despite being healthy and active.
Tracy O'Rourke, diagnosed at 47 after a routine colonoscopy, had no symptoms or family history; after chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries for spread to her lung, she is now in remission.
159,000 U.S. colorectal cancer cases are projected for 2026, while incidence in people under 50 is rising 3% a year and is often caught at advanced stages.
Doctors at Mass General Brigham and UMass Memorial said the cause of the increase in younger patients remains unclear, though family history, ethnicity and lifestyle may contribute.
Screening guidelines now start at 45, and both patients are pushing awareness—Kowalski says he has urged nearly 500 people to get screened.
Why is a highly preventable cancer becoming a leading killer for Americans under fifty?
What hidden factor in modern life is causing colon cancer to surge among healthy young adults?
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Crisis: Why Rates Are Rising in Young Americans and How Screening and Equity Efforts Are Responding
Overview
Colorectal cancer is rising sharply among young Americans, especially those under 50 and even more so in the 20–29 age group. This trend is part of a broader public health crisis, as several other common cancers are also increasing in younger people. The situation highlights the urgent need for early detection and routine screening, which can find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Starting screening at age 45 for those at average risk is now vital for prevention and effective treatment, as early action can save lives and help address this growing health challenge.