What to know about early-onset colorectal cancer and screening
Published: March 31, 2025
My story of being diagnosed with colon cancer at age 30 is not that unique — we’re seeing an increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), which means individuals under 50 who are diagnosed. We’re also seeing later stages of cancer found in younger people, which often means it is more aggressive. By 2030, EOCRC is predicted to be the leading cause of cancer death for people aged 20-49.
Science is still trying to understand why this increase is happening. Our best guess right now is a combination of family history, lifestyle and/or environmental factors. Family history can include first-degree relatives that have had colorectal cancer (CRC) or genetic factors such as Lynch syndrome. A silver lining (if there is one) to being diagnosed at a younger age is that younger patients can tolerate treatment better than older patients
As with so many public health issues, focusing on prevention and screening is the best thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones.
Reducing Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Several healthy behaviors can help reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, including:
- Eating a diet with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low- or no-fat dairy products, and peas/beans/lentils, with decreased consumption of red and processed meat
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Limiting consumption of alcohol.
- Quitting smoking
It is also important to understand family history and make note of any symptoms unusual to you.
Current Screening Guidelines
Current guidelines recommend beginning colon cancer screening at age 45. That doesn’t necessarily mean a colonoscopy, as there are a variety of options available for prevention now! Talk with your doctor about your options.
Not everyone should wait until they’re 45 however. Here are some reasons to talk with your doctor about screening sooner:
- If there is any family history of colorectal cancer or polyps in your family (including extended) or known genetic conditions associated with CRC (Lynch syndrome)
- If you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- You’ve noticed changes in bowel movements, have new abdominal pain, or other noticeable symptoms
Getting a colonoscopy is not the most fun thing you’ll experience in your life. But given that we know this disease is occurring more frequently and in younger and younger people, catching it early is key, and I guarantee you have done way harder things in your life than getting a colonoscopy. And it could just save your life. Talk with your doctor today about your options!
To read about Kat’s story with EOCRC, check out her first blog.
