Understanding the Decline in Cancer Deaths Among Young Adults — And the Concerning Rise of Colorectal Cancer

Daily Health

·

23/01/2026

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A recent study led by the American Cancer Society offers encouraging news: cancer death rates for people under 50 in the United States have dropped by 44% since 1990. This improvement highlights successes in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts for several types of cancer. However, it also draws attention to a worrisome trend — colorectal cancer deaths in young adults are rising, making it the leading cause of cancer-related death among people under 50 as of 2023.

Key Findings from Recent Cancer Mortality Data

The comprehensive analysis, published in JAMA and relying on National Center for Health Statistics data, reveals:

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Significant decreases in deaths from breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer among young adults.
A noticeable upward trend in colorectal cancer deaths for people under 50, moving from the fifth to the first leading cause of cancer death in this group over thirty years.

Benefits and Improvements: Progress Across Multiple Cancers

Medical advances, increased awareness, and improved treatments have worked to lower death rates in several cancer types. Enhanced screening methods — for example, mammograms for breast cancer and improved therapies for leukemia — have played a significant part. For lung cancer, both a drop in smoking rates and modern medications have contributed to the steepest decline in mortality among all cancer sites for this group.

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Risks and Nuanced Challenges: Colorectal Cancer’s Uncertain Rise

Despite these advances, colorectal cancer remains a challenge. While some experts initially speculated that increased diagnostic procedures might explain the trend, the consistent rise in deaths since 1990, and in the death rate since 2005, counters this theory. Researchers propose that factors such as greater intake of processed foods, environmental exposures, chemical use, and higher obesity rates may contribute, but no single cause has been definitively established.

Screenings: Benefits and Considerations

Colonoscopy, the main screening tool for colorectal cancer, serves both diagnostic and preventative purposes by finding and removing polyps. The American Cancer Society recommends routine colonoscopies every 10 years starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. People with a family history or symptoms like rectal bleeding might require earlier or more frequent screenings.

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However, widespread early screening is not without drawbacks — colonoscopies come with costs, require preparation, and carry potential risks. Also, colorectal cancer remains relatively rare in young people. Therefore, it is vital to focus screening on those who meet clinical guidelines or are at higher risk, rather than recommending universal early procedures.

Evidence-Based Advice for Reducing Cancer Risk

Stick to recommended cancer screening schedules, particularly between ages 45 and 49.
Notice and report concerning symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.
Maintain a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber while minimizing processed foods.
Stay active, manage weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

Ongoing research is needed to pinpoint the drivers of early-onset colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, adherence to screening recommendations and healthy lifestyle habits may provide the best defense currently available to young adults against cancer.

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