Rates of Colorectal Cancer Rising in Younger People

9/10/2025

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. and the statistics on the rates by age have surprised the medical community. Between 2012 and 2021, more colorectal cancer cases have been identified in adults under 50 each year while the rates for adults 50 and older have been going down over the same period. The American Cancer Society estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be found in 2025.

Karthik Penumetsa, M.D., is a Commonwealth Health Physician Network gastroenterologist and says colorectal cancer screening is a critical tool to fight the disease, because precancerous growths can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer. The American Cancer Society and US Preventive Services task force both recommend the age to start screening for colorectal cancers is 45 for those at average risk.

For patients at higher risk, their physician may advise having an initial screening before age 45 or more frequent screening. These risk factors include:

• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or of certain types of polyps;
• A personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease;
• A history of radiation in the abdomen or pelvis, in treatment of previous cancer(s);
• A genetic and hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.

In addition to colonoscopy, the most commonly known screening, several types of tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool test are also used.

“Although we’ve made progress in screening for and removing polyps before they turn cancerous, the lifestyle and dietary choices of our population continue to raise the risk and incidence of these cancers,” says Dr. Penumetsa.

Dr. Penumetsa says that beyond regular screenings, there are a number of lifestyle factors you can manage to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include maintaining a healthy body weight; managing your type 2 diabetes; minimizing red meats in your diet such as beef, pork, lamb and liver, and processed meats; avoiding smoking; and limiting your alcohol intake. Just as with heart health, staying active and maintaining a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting red meats and sugary drinks, may lower your risk.

Depending on your age, a colonoscopy screening may be a covered wellness test under your insurance plan – and most plans cover a colonoscopy completely as a follow-up test or diagnostic tool.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, or have reached age 45 or more, talk with your primary care provider to see if it’s time for you to begin screening, which test is right for you and how frequently to be screened.

We have made it easier to schedule a screening. The direct access colonoscopy service at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital allows healthy individuals ages 45 and older to schedule and prepare for a colonoscopy screening without an office visit. The physician performing the colonoscopy will meet with you at the time of the procedure and afterward will talk with you about the findings. Results and recommendations for follow-up will be sent to your primary care physician. To confirm your eligibility and schedule a procedure, call 570-552-7189. Most major insurance plans, including GHP, are accepted.

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