Colorectal cancer is no longer something we only talk about in older adults. In recent years, rates have been rising in younger people, leaving many families wondering what has changed and why this disease is showing up earlier in life.
For Mayberry Memorial, these numbers are more than a statistic. They are a reminder that knowing the signs, getting checked, and taking action early can change the outcome.
A troubling trend
Colorectal cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, with cases rising about 3% each year in people ages 20 to 49, according to the American Cancer Society. At the same time, rates are declining in adults 65 and older.
That shift matters because it shows colorectal cancer is no longer only a concern for older people. It is increasingly affecting younger adults, including people who may not think they are at risk.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends routine colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. That change reflects the growing burden of early-onset colorectal cancer and the importance of catching disease sooner.
Why is this happening?
There is no single answer yet. Experts believe the rise is likely tied to a combination of factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, dietary patterns, inherited risk, and possible environmental influences.
Researchers are also studying the gut microbiome and other biological changes that may help explain why younger adults are being affected more often. For now, the science points to a complex mix of risks rather than one clear cause.
Symptoms to take seriously
One of the challenges with colorectal cancer in young adults is that symptoms are often overlooked. Common warning signs include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should never be ignored if they continue. Younger adults may assume they are too young to be at risk, which is one reason these symptoms can go unchecked for too long.
Why screening and genetic counseling matter
Checking for colorectal cancer can help find it early, when it is easier to treat. It can also prevent cancer by finding and removing abnormal growths, called polyps, before they turn into cancer. That is why screening now begins at age 45 for average-risk adults.
For people with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited syndromes, screening may need to begin earlier. If Lynch syndrome runs in the family, genetic counseling and testing can help clarify whether a person is at higher risk and what steps to take next.
This is where Mayberry Memorial’s Project Conquer program can make a real difference. Project Conquer helps pay for high-risk, unidentified Lynch syndrome previvors to receive genetic counseling and genetic testing so they can learn their risk before cancer develops.
Project Conquer
Project Conquer is Mayberry Memorial’s flagship program, created to help identify Lynch syndrome previvors and give them access to genetic counseling, genetic testing, and resources that can support preventive action. Mayberry Memorial notes that an estimated 1 in 300 people in the United States have Lynch syndrome, and that 95% do not know it.
That matters because knowing about an inherited cancer risk can change the future. It can help families make informed choices, plan earlier screenings, and take preventive steps before cancer has a chance to develop.
What readers can do
The most important takeaway is not fear, but awareness. A healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, recommended screening, and attention to symptoms that do not go away are all practical ways to protect long-term health.
If you notice bleeding, bowel changes, ongoing abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue, do not wait for the symptoms to disappear on their own. Getting checked early can make a meaningful difference.
If colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, or other hereditary cancers run in your family, talk with your doctor about whether genetic counseling is right for you. And if cost has been a barrier, Project Conquer may be a path forward for qualifying applicants.
Awareness leads to action
Colorectal cancer is a serious issue that is affecting more young adults, but awareness gives us power. When we spot symptoms early, start screening at the right age, and pay attention to family history, we improve the chances of catching problems before they become more serious.
At Mayberry Memorial, we believe awareness should lead to action. Through Project Conquer, we help high-risk individuals access genetic counseling and testing so they can better understand whether they may be a previvor and take steps to protect their future.