Shikha Jain, Founder, Chair of the Board (Former CEO) at Women in Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Illinois Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death in adults under 50.
Read that again.
I always love chatting with Sylvia Perez on Fox32 Chicago — but this year’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month conversation felt different.
Because the data is different.
According to the newly released 2026 report from the American Cancer Society:
- Incidence is rising 3% per year in adults ages 20–49
- Nearly half of all new cases now occur in adults under 65
- 3 in 4 patients under 50 are diagnosed at an advanced stage
Meanwhile, rates continue to decline in adults over 65 .
That tells us something important.
Screening works.
Prevention works.
Early detection works.
But too many eligible adults aren’t getting screened. Only 37% of 45–49 year olds are up to date .
Here’s what I tell patients:
If you’re 45 or older — schedule the colonoscopy.
If you’re younger and experiencing rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, or a change in bowel habits — do not ignore it.
More than half of colorectal cancers are linked to modifiable risk factors including diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity . That means prevention matters too.
We are seeing colorectal cancer in people in the middle of their careers. Raising children. Running companies. Training for marathons.
This is not someone else’s disease anymore.
It is preventable.
It is detectable.
And when found early, it is highly treatable.
Call your doctor.
Schedule the screening.
Start the conversation.
Your future self will thank you.
For more information, visit here.”
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