Rates of Colorectal Cancer Rising in Younger People
3/11/2026
Laredo Digestive Health Center invites community to get informed at annual fair March 21.
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.
Dr. Alfredo Camero Jr., a gastroenterologist at Laredo Digestive Health Center, 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.
“Screening colonoscopies have significantly reduced the incidence of colon cancer in patients over 50, which is a major public health success,” says Dr. Camero. “However, we’re seeing a concerning rise in cases among younger individuals. We believe lifestyle and environmental factors are playing a role, and research is ongoing to better understand why. In the meantime, the most important advice I can give as a gastroenterologist is this: don’t ignore the warning signs. If you notice rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habits, talk to your doctor promptly.”
Dr. Elsa S. Canales, a gastroenterologist at Laredo Digestive Health Center, 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.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a life of good colon health,” says Dr. Canales.
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.
The Laredo Digestive Health Center, an affiliate of Laredo Medical Center, invites the community to its annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Fair on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mall del Norte, in front of TruFit and Main Event. In addition to educational resources on prevention, screening and early detection, the fair will feature an interactive walk-through of a giant inflatable colon to learn about symptoms, risk factors and the importance of timely screening in a fun and engaging way.
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.
Make that appointment today – online scheduling is available to make it convenient at https://rebrand.ly/zw5rqkf.
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