Types of Cancer Most Frequently Affecting Young Adults According to Study

Jakarta — Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasingly attacking younger age groups. The latest report from the American Cancer Society shows a concerning rise in cases, particularly among people aged 20 to 49 years.

The report, titled “Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2026” and published in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, indicates that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in adults under 50 years of age. Whilst the incidence of colorectal cancer continues to decline in elderly populations, a different trend is occurring in younger age groups.

People aged 65 and below now account for nearly 45% of all new colorectal cancer cases, a sharp increase compared to just 27% in 1995. The fastest growth occurs in the 20 to 49 age group, with an annual increase rate of approximately 3% per year.

Additionally, most cases in younger age groups are only detected when the disease has reached an advanced stage. Approximately 75% of colorectal cancers in people under 50 are diagnosed at advanced stages. Furthermore, about half of cases in this age group occur between the ages of 45 and 49, even though this group already qualifies for routine colorectal cancer screening. However, only about 37% undergo such screening.

The report also shows a shift in disease patterns, with rectal cancer increasingly prevalent. Rectal cancer currently accounts for approximately 32% of all colorectal cancer cases, up from about 27% in the mid-2000s.

Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, says this trend indicates a significant change in disease patterns. “After decades of progress, the mortality risk from colorectal cancer is now increasing in younger generations,” Siegel said, as cited from Fox News on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

She believes this increase is likely linked to lifestyle factors or certain environmental exposures that require further investigation. Researchers therefore emphasise the importance of increased research to understand the causes, whilst also promoting early detection through education for medical professionals and the public about disease symptoms and the importance of screening from age 45.

Overall, an estimated 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected this year, with approximately 55,230 deaths from the disease. Researchers also found that more than half of colorectal cancer cases are associated with risky behaviours, such as poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, and obesity.

Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, emphasises that this finding is an important warning for the public. He states that people who have reached age 45 need to begin colorectal cancer screening according to medical recommendations. “This finding further underscores that colorectal cancer is worsening among younger generations and highlights the urgent need for eligible adults to begin screening at the recommended age of 45,” Dahut said.

However, the chances of recovery are actually quite high if the disease is detected earlier. The report notes that if colorectal cancer is detected at a localised or early stage, the five-year survival rate can reach approximately 95%.