Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Young Adults: What I Want You to Know (and How Fox Chase Can Help)
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If you’re in your 20s or 30s, colorectal cancer probably isn’t on your radar. Most people assume it’s an “older adult” disease.
But in my clinic, I’m seeing more young adults diagnosed than ever before.
Colorectal cancer is still more common as we get older. But rates in younger adults are moving in the wrong direction. In fact, the American Cancer Society has reported steady increases in colorectal cancer in adults ages 20–39 over the past two decades.
That trend matters for one big reason: when colorectal cancer shows up earlier in life, it can disrupt everything at once — your work, your family, your plans, and your sense of control. And because the symptoms can overlap with common GI conditions, reaching the right diagnosis can sometimes take time.
My goal here is simple: to help you understand what’s happening, what to watch for, and how Fox Chase supports young adults with colorectal cancer through treatment and beyond.
Why are we seeing more colorectal cancer in young adults?
We don’t have one clear answer yet. Researchers are still working to understand what’s driving this rise.
What we do know is that there’s likely more than one factor involved — including diet patterns, weight and metabolism, physical activity, gut health, and other environmental influences. Genetics can also play a role, but many young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have a strong family history or a hereditary mutation.
Here’s the most important takeaway: even if you live a healthy lifestyle, don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If something feels “off” and it’s not going away, you deserve a real evaluation.
Symptoms young adults shouldn’t ignore
One reason colorectal cancer is sometimes diagnosed later in younger adults is that symptoms can be easy to dismiss — or blamed on stress, hemorrhoids, diet changes, or IBS.
Most of the time, these symptoms aren’t cancer. But if they’re persistent, worsening, or keep coming back, it’s worth getting checked.
Common warning signs can include:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- A persistent change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools)
- Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
- Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or low iron (iron-deficiency anemia)
If you’re experiencing symptoms like these for more than a couple of weeks — or you’re worried for any reason — talk with a healthcare provider. And if you’re not getting answers, keep advocating for yourself. That persistence can make a difference.
How treatment has changed — and why it matters
The good news is that colorectal cancer care has advanced significantly. Today, treatment is more tailored, more precise, and more team-based than it used to be.
At Fox Chase, we build a plan around you, not just your diagnosis. Your care team may include specialists in medical oncology, colorectal surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, genetics, supportive care, and clinical research. We work together so decisions aren’t made in silos.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
- Minimally invasive or robotic surgery when appropriate
- Precision medicine based on tumor testing
- Targeted therapies or immunotherapy for certain tumor types
- Radiation therapy for select cases (especially rectal cancer)
- Clinical trials that may provide access to newer approaches
Just as important: we take quality of life seriously. For young adults, that can include fertility preservation, long-term side effects, sexual health, and planning for life after treatment — topics that deserve attention from day one, not as an afterthought.
Why young adults need a different kind of support
Cancer in young adulthood hits differently.
Many patients are building careers, raising young kids, finishing school, navigating relationships, or thinking about starting a family. A cancer diagnosis can create real stress — practical, emotional, and financial — in a way that isn’t always visible from the outside.
Young adults may also face unique concerns, including:
- Fertility and family planning
- Mental health and emotional support
- Parenting while in treatment
- Work and school disruption
- Dating, body image, and sexual health
- Long-term survivorship planning
That’s why “excellent medical care” is only part of the answer. Young adults also need support that fits their stage of life.
How the Fox Chase Young Adult Cancer Program helps
The Fox Chase Young Adult Cancer Program is built specifically for patients ages 18–39. Our goal is to make sure young adults don’t feel like they have to piece together support on their own.
We help connect patients to services that can make treatment more manageable and survivorship more supported, including:
- Fertility preservation counseling and coordination
- Genetic risk evaluation when appropriate
- Social work support for practical needs and resources
- Emotional health support, including counseling referrals
- Nutrition support to help patients feel stronger during treatment
- Survivorship planning, so patients have a roadmap after treatment ends
- Help navigating life logistics, like work, school, and family responsibilities
Just as importantly, we help young adults feel seen. You’re not “too young” for cancer — and you’re not alone in this.
If you’re facing colorectal cancer as a young adult, we’ll help you understand your options, move quickly when needed, and support you through the medical and personal sides of care.
A quick note on screening (and when to talk to your doctor)
For average-risk adults, national guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
But if you’re younger than 45 and you have symptoms, a strong family history, or certain medical conditions, you may need evaluation earlier. If your direct relative (meaning a parent, brother, sister, or child) has had colorectal cancer or a high-risk colon polyp, you should start screening at age 40 - or 10 years before the age at which they were diagnosed, whichever comes first.
Screening isn’t one-size-fits-all — and symptoms should always be taken seriously at any age.
If you’re unsure where you fit, ask. A short conversation can bring a lot of clarity.
We’re here when you’re ready
If you’re a young adult with colorectal cancer — or you’re concerned about symptoms and want answers — Fox Chase is here for you.
To learn more about colorectal cancer care and the Young Adult Cancer Program, call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.