For decades, colon cancer was considered a disease of older adults. But in recent years, something alarming has changed: more and more young people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer — often at later stages.
In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, rates of colon cancer in people under 50 have been steadily increasing, even as overall cases have gone down in older populations. This disturbing trend has left researchers and doctors searching for answers — and it’s clear that something in our modern environment, lifestyle, or biology has shifted.
Let’s break down the possible reasons behind this rise and what younger adults need to know.
1. Modern Diets Are Fueling Gut Dysfunction
One of the most significant changes over the past few decades has been the way we eat. Ultra-processed foods, low-fiber diets, sugary drinks, and red or processed meats are common in many people’s daily routines — starting from a young age.
These eating patterns disrupt the gut microbiome (the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract), promote inflammation, and reduce protective mechanisms that typically keep abnormal cells in check. Simply put: what we eat matters — and our colons are paying the price.
2. The Gut Microbiome Connection
New research has shown that changes in the gut microbiome may be a major contributor to early-onset colorectal cancer. The bacteria in our gut help regulate immune function, inflammation, and even the way our cells grow and die.
Factors like poor diet, antibiotic overuse, environmental toxins, and chronic stress can all damage the gut microbiome, setting the stage for abnormal changes in the colon lining over time — even decades later.
3. Sedentary Lifestyles and Obesity
Many younger adults work long hours sitting at desks, spend free time in front of screens, and get far less physical activity than previous generations.
This lack of movement — combined with rising rates of obesity and insulin resistance — creates a perfect storm. Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are known risk factors for colorectal cancer, even in people who are otherwise young and healthy.
4. Environmental Exposures
We are also living in an era of increased exposure to chemicals, microplastics, pesticides, and hormone-disrupting substances in food, water, and household products.
While it’s difficult to prove direct links to cancer in every case, the cumulative burden of these exposures may be altering gut health, immune response, and cellular behavior — especially in people exposed to them early in life.
5. Symptoms Are Often Missed or Dismissed
Because colon cancer isn’t expected in young adults, symptoms like rectal bleeding, stomach pain, or changes in bowel habits are often brushed off or misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, IBS, or stress.
This leads to delays in diagnosis — and often more advanced cancer by the time it’s discovered.
That’s why awareness matters.
Symptoms to Watch For at Any Age:
• Blood in your stool or on toilet paper
• Persistent changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea, thin stools)
• Abdominal cramping or pain that won’t go away
• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
• Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms — don’t wait. Get evaluated.
We Offer Lab Testing That Can Help
While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detection, there are also lab tests that can give insight into inflammation, gut health, immune function, and metabolic risk — all factors linked to early-onset colon cancer.
At Labs By Request, we make it easier (and more affordable) to:
• Check for systemic inflammation
• Assess gut and immune biomarkers
• Evaluate metabolic health (glucose, insulin, A1c)
• Run cancer-related screening markers when appropriate
We also offer panels that can be done without a doctor’s referral, and many are available for at-home collection or walk-in testing.
Prevention Is Still the Best Weapon
The best way to reduce your risk?
• Eat a high-fiber, plant-rich diet
• Limit red and processed meats
• Move your body daily
• Support your gut health
• Get regular checkups and don’t ignore symptoms
And if you’re under 50 but have a family history or any risk factors, talk to your doctor about starting screening early. You don’t have to wait until 45 or 50 to take your health seriously.
Need Answers? We Can Help
Colon cancer is no longer just an “older adult” issue — and the sooner we acknowledge that, the more lives we can save. If you’re concerned about symptoms, family history, or just want a better picture of your gut and metabolic health, we’re here.
No referral needed
Nationwide shipping for at-home tests available
