Colon cancer more frequent among younger adults [Video]

DES MOINES, Iowa — In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in women and men younger than 50 years old.

Now,  it’s the second leading cause of cancer death for women and the leading cause of cancer death for men in that age range, according to a 2024 report from the American Cancer Society.

“We don’t have all the answers as to why we’re seeing it younger and younger. But it is true, we are seeing it younger,” said Dr. Jennifer Beaty, a colon and rectal surgeon and the associate dean of student advancement and medical education at Des Moines University.