Colorectal Cancer is now the Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths in People Under 50: Here’s What to Do
- Beth Kitchin PhD RDN
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
For several years now, we’ve been talking about the startling increase in colon cancer in people under the age of 50. Now, new evidence from the American Cancer Society published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that it has moved into first place as the leading cause of cancer deaths for that young age group. From 1990 to 1994, it was in 5th place.
Among the 5 leading causes of cancer deaths in people under 50, all but colorectal declined during the last decade. The annual decline from 2014 through 2023 was 0.3% for brain cancer, 1.4% for breast cancer, 2.3% for leukemia, and 5.7% for lung cancer. Only colorectal cancer deaths increased. Deaths increased by 1.1% annually since 2005.
What is the Cause?
When I hear people talk about the increased risk of colon cancer in young people, they often jump right to diet and ultra-processed foods. But the truth is, at this point we don’t know. There is a lot of research on this but it’s hard to determine causation. But we do have some strong clues about lifestyle factors and colon cancer. And it’s likely caused by a combination of factors – not just one.
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Colon Cancer:
Excess body weight: Excess body weight raises the risk of colorectal cancer in people, but the link seems to be stronger in men.
Diets Low in Fiber and Fruits/Vegetables: A long-term diet that's high in red meats and processed meats (like hot dogs and some lunch meats) raises your colorectal cancer risk. Cooking meats at very high temperatures (frying, broiling, or grilling) creates chemicals that might raise your cancer risk. As for processed foods, it may be more about what you’re not getting on a junk food diet. High fiber foods, including whole grains, and lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants that fight cancer might lower your risk. But if you’re eating a lot of fast food and convenience foods, you may be missing out on these!
Microbiome Changes: Your microbiome is the mix of bacteria you have in your gut. There are many good bacteria that you want to cultivate in your intestine to promote health and fight disease. How do you eat for a healthy microbiome? High fiber, including whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can also make for a healthy microbiome.
Exercise: Exercise is linked to a lower risk of colon cancer and a lower risk of colon cancer recurrence.
Smoking: People who have smoked tobacco for a long time are more likely to develop and die from colorectal cancer than people who don't smoke. Smoking tobacco also increases the risk for people to develop colon polyps.
Alcohol use: Colorectal cancer has been linked to moderate to heavy alcohol use. If people do drink alcohol, they should have no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
Know the Screening Guidelines:
Screening saves lives! The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. You can screen with either a test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool, like Cologuard, or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy). If you are at higher risk because of a family history, a history of polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), talk to your doctor about getting screened earlier than 45.
Early detection is the key to preventing and treating colon cancer.
Symptoms to watch for:
Persistent abdominal pain
Blood in stool
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel habits
Most colon cancers start with polyps, little clumps of cells, that are not cancerous and do not cause symptoms. But polyps can turn into cancer so removing them before that happens is the way to go. When you get a colonoscopy, the doctor removes any polyps she or he finds.
For more information, these are some helpful websites:
Source:
Leading Cancer Deaths in People Younger Than 50 Years
Published Online: January 22, 2026
doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.25467
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