Overview
- An American Cancer Society report finds incidence rising about 3% annually among adults 20–49, with rectal cancers now comprising roughly 32% of cases.
- People 65 and younger account for 45% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses, up from 27% in 1995, underscoring a generational shift in disease burden.
- Only about 37% of adults ages 45–49 are up to date on screening despite guidelines to begin routine testing at 45.
- Clinicians report that roughly three in four patients under 50 are diagnosed at advanced stages, making timely attention to symptoms essential.
- A Colorectal Cancer Alliance survey reports 50% of Americans do not know at-home stool tests exist, and many are unaware a positive result requires follow-up colonoscopy.