Colorectal cancer on the rise among younger patients

View of American Cancer Society Center from Centennial Olympic Park.

Courtesy of the American Cancer Society

The Atlanta-based American Cancer Society published a report recently that indicates colorectal cancer is increasing in young people at an alarming rate.

The ACS reports that colorectal cancer is swiftly shifting to more advanced disease and younger individuals, according to Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2023.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S.

Dr. Karen E. Knudsen is the CEO of the American Cancer Society and she joined “All Things Considered” to talk about what can be done and how people can mitigate the associated risks.

“These highly concerning data illustrate the urgent need to invest in targeted cancer research studies dedicated to understanding and preventing early-onset colorectal cancer,” said Knudsen. “The shift to diagnosis of more advanced disease also underscores the importance of screening and early detection, which saves lives.”