By Paul Feldman, MD
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with over 150,000 new cases estimated and approximately 52,000–53,000 deaths annually, according to statistics published by the American Cancer Society and A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
A concerning trend is the rising incidence in younger adults. From 2013 to 2022, rates increased by approximately 3% annually in adults aged 20–49 years, statistics published this spring in A Cancer Journal for Clinicians show. The proportion of CRC cases in individuals aged 54 years or younger rose from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019, according to an American Cancer Society report published in 2025, which is consistent with an article in A Cancer Journal for Clinicians published two years prior.
CRC now ranks as the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than 50 years, states an article published this year in A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analysis recently found that among adults aged 45–49, CRC incidence accelerated to a 12% annual increase from 2019 to 2022, largely driven by local-stage tumors detected through newly recommended screening in this age group.
Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon and rectum. Most cases begin as small growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can develop into cancer. In its early stages, colorectal cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important. Detecting and removing precancerous polyps can prevent cancer before it starts.
The good news is the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer has improved from 50% in the mid-1970s to 64-65% today. Early detection through screening and advances in treatment have helped extend lives. The earlier stage it is detected, the greater chances of surviving five or more years. The five-year survival rate can be greater than 90% for those diagnosed in stage one and as low as 12% for those diagnosed in stage four.
The most concerning symptoms for colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, altered bowel habits, unexplained iron deficiency anemia and unintentional weight loss. In adults under age 50, symptoms are sometimes overlooked or attributed to stress, diet or hemorrhoids. According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, all patients regardless of age who present these symptoms should seek prompt evaluation.
At Holy Cross Medical Group in Fort Lauderdale, our gastroenterology and colorectal specialists provide comprehensive colorectal cancer screening and treatment. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for screening. Screening lets us find and remove polyps early and stop it before it starts.
If cancer is detected, our multidisciplinary team works closely with oncology specialists to create a personalized treatment plan using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Our team partners with each patient to determine the right timing for screening based on individual health, risk factors and family history.
Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend screening begin at age 45 for average risk individuals. Screening should continue through age 75. Based on life expectancy and prior screening history, the NCCN recommends individuals ages 76 to 85 should consult with their physician regarding continued screening later in life.
For individuals with increased risk based on family history, screening recommendations differ. Those with one first degree relative with colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 60 should schedule a colonoscopy beginning at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest affected relative’s diagnosis, whichever comes first, and repeat every five years.
Dr. Paul Feldman is a gastroenterologist with Holy Cross Medical Group.
Sources:
- Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures. Angela Giaquinto, Tyler Kratzer, Adair Minihan, et al. American Cancer Society (2025).
2.Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2023. Siegel RL, Wagle NS, Cercek A, Smith RA, Jemal A. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2023 May-Jun;73(3):233-254. doi:10.3322/caac.21772.
- Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2026. Siegel RL, Wagle NS, Star J, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2026 Mar-Apr;76(2):e70067. doi:10.3322/caac.70067.
- Colorectal Cancer Incidence in US Adults After Recommendations for Earlier Screening. Schafer EJ, Sung H, Star J, et al. JAMA. 2025;334(9):824-826. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.9147.
