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

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Colorectal cancer risk is rapidly shifting to younger populations and to more advanced stages at diagnosis, according to a report published by the American Cancer Society.

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Jacquelyn Cobb
Associate Editor

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In 1971, the National Cancer Act set the United States on a path to confront one of its most formidable public health challenges. More than five decades later, the progress is undeniable. The latest 2026 report from the American Cancer Society shows continued declines in overall cancer mortality and improvements in survival for many major cancer types. Recent advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment are saving lives.
In this week's episode of The Cancer Letter Podcast, editor and publisher Paul Goldberg, and associate editor Jacquelyn Cobb revisit two of last week’s most-read stories: the growing recognition that early-onset colorectal cancer requires a new diagnostic mindset, and the life and legacy of Maura Gillison, the scientist whose discovery that most head and neck cancers are driven by HPV transformed the field. 
For decades, we have faced a central challenge in colorectal cancer screening. One in three eligible Americans—over 50 million people—remain unscreened despite established methods like colonoscopy or stool-based tests existing for decades. This gap persists even though early detection saves lives, and even as colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer killer for Americans under 50.
Jacquelyn Cobb
Associate Editor

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