Younger people face growing risk for colorectal cancer, more advanced disease at diagnosis

Early-onset cancer is on the rise. Here is how OSUCCC–James is adapting to the needs of younger patients

The incidence of multiple cancer types in people under the age of 50 has been rising, with early-onset cancers now contributing to nearly 15,000 excess cases of cancer in the U.S. annually.

March 27, 2026

Vol.52 No.12

By W. Kimryn Rathmell

Trials & Tribulations

In the era of immunotherapy, response rate alone fails to predict true patient benefit
Regulators must adapt

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It is a reminder of a heartbreaking trend that oncologists like me are witnessing in our clinics: Last year, for the first time, colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer-related death in Americans under the age of 50, according to data published earlier this year in JAMA.

March 27, 2026

Vol.52 No.12

By Richard M. Goldberg

Clinical

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in patients under 50
Why aren’t 45-year-olds getting their recommended CRC screenings?

Three decades ago, colorectal cancer was the fifth leading cause of cancer death in patients under 50 years old. For a physician treating the average 45-year-old, colorectal cancer was not a diagnosis that immediately came to mind.

March 27, 2026

Vol.52 No.12

By Sara Willa Ernst

Early-onset colorectal cancer demands a new research playbook

Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease confined to older adults.

As more people are surviving cancer, we must continue funding bold science

The cancer research community has a reason to celebrate. For the first time, 70% of people are living at least five years beyond their cancer diagnosis. And, as importantly, cancer death rates have been dropping relentlessly—by more than a third since 1991.

Rectal cancer incidence rising after decades of decline as colorectal cancer shifts toward younger generations, ACS report finds

Colorectal cancer rates in the U.S. are moving in two very different directions, according to a report released from the American Cancer Society.

March 06, 2026

Vol.52 No.09

Younger people face growing risk for colorectal cancer, more advanced disease at diagnosis

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Early-onset cancer is on the rise. Here is how OSUCCC–James is adapting to the needs of younger patients

In the era of immunotherapy, response rate alone fails to predict true patient benefit
Regulators must adapt

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in patients under 50
Why aren’t 45-year-olds getting their recommended CRC screenings?

Early-onset colorectal cancer demands a new research playbook

As more people are surviving cancer, we must continue funding bold science

Rectal cancer incidence rising after decades of decline as colorectal cancer shifts toward younger generations, ACS report finds

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Younger people face growing risk for colorectal cancer, more advanced disease at diagnosis

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Early-onset cancer is on the rise. Here is how OSUCCC–James is adapting to the needs of younger patients

In the era of immunotherapy, response rate alone fails to predict true patient benefitRegulators must adapt

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in patients under 50Why aren’t 45-year-olds getting their recommended CRC screenings?

Early-onset colorectal cancer demands a new research playbook

As more people are surviving cancer, we must continue funding bold science

Rectal cancer incidence rising after decades of decline as colorectal cancer shifts toward younger generations, ACS report finds

Never miss an issue!

Login

In the era of immunotherapy, response rate alone fails to predict true patient benefit
Regulators must adapt

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in patients under 50
Why aren’t 45-year-olds getting their recommended CRC screenings?