'Subtle' signs of colorectal cancer as it becomes biggest killer of under 50s

Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under the age of 50 in the US.

The American Cancer Society's (ACS) 2026 Colorectal Cancer Statistics report has estimated that there will be 158,850 new cases of colon cancer, also known as bowel cancer, this year.

Out of those cases, 55,230 are expected to die from the disease that's found anywhere in the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.

Cases among people aged between 20 and 49 also happen to be rising by three percent each year since 2004.

“The landscape of [colorectal cancer] in the United States is changing rapidly. Mortality is now increasing in adults younger than 65 years alongside incidence, confirming an increase in the underlying risk of [colorectal cancer] in individuals born after circa 1950,” they say in their paper, without a definitive explanation as to why this has been the case.

“As these generations age, the [colorectal cancer] burden in these cohorts will continue to swell like a tsunami moving through time”.

Colon cancer, or bowel cancer, is now increasingly common among younger adults with a steady rise in cases since 2004 (Getty Stock Images)

Why colon cancer can be prevented or treated early

Colon cancer starts as small growths in the bowel called polyps.

These cancerous lumps in the colon can be detected and removed via a colonoscopy, while other screening tests can give doctors an indication.

Harmful lifestyle habits

Lifestyle changes can also reduce risk, so eating healthier, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.

Habits that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer include:

· Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day

· Having a body mass index of 30 or greater

· Eating a lot of red meat and/or processed meat

· Having a diet low in fruits, vegetables, and other fiber

· Having low physical activity levels most days

· Smoking

Bowel cancer cases are decreasing in older people (Getty Stock Images)

Symptoms of colon cancer

According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

· Changes in your pooing habits

· Bleeding from your bottom

· Feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet

· Tummy pain

· A lump in your tummy

· Bloating

· Losing weight without trying

· Feeling very tired for no reason

"Despite steady progress for older adults, both CRC (colon cancer) incidence and mortality are increasing in adults younger than 65 years who are in the prime of life, underscoring an urgent need for etiologic research to discover the cause of the rising trend," the ACS researchers note.

"Meanwhile, morbidity and mortality could be mitigated with earlier diagnosis, through screening and educating clinicians and the general public about CRC symptoms, and greater attention to the unique needs of younger patients, including discussion about the preservation of fertility and sexual health."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.