06 May Onset Colorectal Cancer Mortality Rising Fastest in Young Adults and Hispanic Populations, Projected to Worsen Through 2035

Dr. Pathiyil

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Mythili Menon Pathiyil, MBBS
Gastroenterology Fellow
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Colorectal cancer mortality is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death in individuals below the age of 50 in the United States. A new analysis presented at DDW 2026 quantifies those patterns and identifies which populations are most at risk — with the goal of informing earlier recognition, targeted screening, and equity-focused prevention.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Colorectal cancer mortality rate is currently the leading cause of cancer related mortality in individuals below the age of 50 years old in the US. This study was driven by the need to quantify those patterns and identify which populations are most at risk so we can intervene earlier. Our goal was not just to describe the problem, but to generate data that could inform earlier recognition, targeted screening, and equity-focused prevention.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Our analysis found a striking and consistent pattern. Death rates for colorectal cancer steadily increased overall, with rectal cancer mortality rising 2 to 3 times faster than colon cancer across every demographic in individuals below the age of 45. Among adults aged 35 to 44, which is the core of the millennial generation, rectal cancer death rates are projected to keep escalating through 2035, even as colon cancer rates in that same age group remain relatively flat. When we look at who is being hit hardest, the disparities are clear. Hispanic adults had the fastest-growing mortality rates of any demographic group for both colon cancer and rectal cancer with rectal cancer mortality projected to rise at more than 2% per year.

The rise was also most pronounced in the Western U.S., particularly among individuals aged 35 to 44 years.

MedicalResearch.com: Is this increased incidence of lower colon cancer linked to HPV or other infections?

Response: While our research did not look into potential etiologies, the current data suggests possible association with sedentary lifestyle, metabolic syndrome, gut dysbiosis etc, but there is no obvious cause as of now.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The most important takeaway is that more young adults are not just developing colorectal cancer, they are increasingly dying from it, particularly from rectal cancer. This rise is uneven across populations and is projected to worsen. The problem is real and getting worse and is a shift from a future concern to a present public health priority.

It is important for clinicians and patients to be cognisant about the rising number of cases in this younger age group and to not dismiss any symptoms like rectal bleeding, unintentional significant weight loss or change in bowel habits without a thorough workup.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response:Future research should focus on identifying drivers of rising early-onset colorectal, especially rectal cancer mortality, understanding barriers to timely diagnosis, and evaluating targeted prevention and screening strategies in younger high-risk populations.

No disclosures. 

Citation:
Pathiyil presented “A Growing Crisis: Two Decades of Rising Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Mortality and Projected Trends Through 2035 in U.S. Adults <45 years” (Abstract Sa1371) at 12:30 PM CDT on May 2, 2026 at DDW 2026.

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Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD