Colon Cancer: A Simple Guide to Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
1 in 5 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are now under the age of 55—a number that has doubled over the last twenty years.
Key Takeaways
A growing trend in young people: While overall rates are dropping in older populations, colorectal cancer is now the number one cause of cancer death for people under 50. In 2026, experts estimate nearly 160,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the US.
Know your symptoms: Early-stage colon cancer often has no symptoms – that’s why regular screening is so important! When symptoms do appear, look for persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain.
Prevention is possible: Up to 91% of patients diagnosed with colon cancer survive at least five years when the cancer is caught early. Because most colon cancers start as non-cancerous polyps, early screening can stop cancer before it even starts.
If you’re worried about your colon health or just want to be proactive, book a visit today!
by Caylin Cheney, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
When a public figure is diagnosed with (or passes away) from a disease, it naturally gets a lot of attention and renewed focus online and in the news. Over the last few years, we’ve watched heartbreaking headlines – like the deaths of Chadwick Boseman and James Van Der Beek – show that colon cancer is no longer just a concern for people in their fifties and beyond.
But there’s good news, too. Colon cancer is a highly treatable and preventable disease. This blog covers the basics of colon cancer: what it is, the risk factors, why it’s on the rise in younger people, and more.
Next week, I’ll be publishing an explainer about some new screening options – and how to decide what option is right for you. But first, let’s cover the essentials.
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You’ve perhaps heard the term “colorectal cancer.” Colorectal refers to both colon and rectal cancers, though these types of cancer are not the same in location, treatment, or prognosis.
The colon and the rectum are both part of the large intestine. Your colon is the first five to six feet of your large intestine, whereas your rectum is the final five or so inches.
Many symptoms of colon and rectal cancers are similar and both tend to be diagnosed during colonoscopies (or, alternatively, with new at-home tests).
However, these cancers are different and call for different treatments. Rectal cancer is less common… but also more likely to recur, so treatment tends to be more aggressive.
For this blog, I’m mostly focusing on colon cancer.
What are the common signs and symptoms of colon cancer?
Colon cancer usually doesn’t start as cancer on day one. Instead, it begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps that form on the lining of the colon. These polyps can turn into cancer over a long period, usually five to ten years.
Early-stage colon cancer and precancerous polyps almost never cause symptoms. That’s why screening is so important. If a provider finds a polyp during a colonoscopy, it can be removed before it ever has the chance to become malignant.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Abdominal pain – like bloating, cramps, or gas
Blood in your stool
Constipation or diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness or fatigue
Feeling like you still need to go after having a bowel movement
What causes colon cancer? Why is colon cancer on the rise in young people?
Colon cancer used to be considered a disease that we only needed to worry about later in life. But today, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young adults. In fact, 1 in 5 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are under 55. That’s double the number it was twenty years ago.
The Cancer Research Institute separates risk factors for colorectal cancer into two buckets: Within your control and outside of it. This is a useful (and empowering!) way to think about how to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for colon cancer that you can influence with your choices include:
Diet: Prioritize a diet that’s high in fiber (think fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, and legumes) to reduce your risk. A diet high in processed foods and too much red meat increases your risk of colon cancer.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. A sedentary life and obesity can put you more at risk.
Smoking and alcohol: Quitting smoking and lowering how much alcohol you consume can significantly reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Screening: Regular screenings can help catch polyps before they turn into cancer! Current guidelines recommend that people start screenings at 45, but those at increased risk or with symptoms should talk to their provider about starting sooner.
While it’s not yet clear exactly why more young people are developing colorectal cancer, it could be linked to lifestyle choices like these, as well as environmental factors. One study that came out in 2025 links the rise to damage from gut bacteria, but this is very new research.
However, some risk factors for developing colon cancer are beyond your control, like age, family history, race and ethnicity (Black men and women are most at risk for colon cancer), and chronic inflammatory conditions – making early screening all the more important.
How common and treatable is colon cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be nearly 160,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2026 – with about 70% of those being colon cancer and 30% rectal cancer. Unfortunately, it’s the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
But remember this: Colon cancer is highly treatable – even curable – especially if it’s caught early. If colon cancer is “localized” and hasn’t moved outside of the area where it started, there’s a 91% survival rate over five years.
Take control of your health today
If you have been meaning to focus more on your colon health – or just your overall wellness – I would love to partner with you on that journey. As a nurse practitioner, I am focused on providing care that feels personal, creates safety, and doesn’t separate your body from your story. You deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in your health journey!
If you’re in Washington state and this approach resonates with you, I’d love to connect. You can book a primary care appointment or schedule a free 20-minute meet-and-greet to get started.
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