Rectal cancer deaths in older millennials are rising rapidly
Researchers found rectal cancer deaths rose 2 to 3 times faster than colon cancer deaths among adults 20 to 44 and are projected to keep climbing through 2035.
- Rectal cancer deaths among adults aged 20 to 44 are accelerating, with mortality rates rising 2 to 3 times faster than colon cancer, according to a study presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026.
- Lead author Mythili Menon Pathiyil, gastroenterology fellow at SUNY Upstate Medical University, notes the surge is not hereditary; researchers suggest potential microbiome disruption linked to childhood sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
- Younger patients face a seven-month diagnostic delay from symptom onset to treatment, contributing to poor outcomes; 75% of individuals under age 50 are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Dr. Arif Kamal of the American Cancer Society suggests primary care providers must investigate early symptoms in patients under age 45, with patients explicitly asking doctors about potential colon cancer if bowel function changes.
- By 2035, rectal cancer deaths could exceed colon cancer deaths if current trends continue. Andreana Holowatyj, assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stressed the need to understand tumor characteristics to improve treatment.
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27 Articles
The rate of rectal cancer deaths has increased by two to three times compared to colon cancer
Rectal cancer is striking earlier and killing faster
Rectal cancer deaths among older millennials are accelerating, with growth in mortality far outpacing colon cancer, suggesting primary care doctors should fully investigate early symptoms in patients under age 45, according to a study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW 2026).
‘Drastic shift’: Rectal cancer leads early-onset CRC deaths; risk peaks in Hispanic adults
CHICAGO — Early-onset colorectal cancer is rising in the U.S., with Hispanic and white adults, residents of Western states and those aged 35 to 44 years at greatest risk, according to study results presented at Digestive Disease Week.The rectal cancer mortality rate is growing particularly fast, two to three times faster than colon cancer mortality.
Rectal cancer deaths in older millennials are rising rapidly
Rectal cancer deaths among older millennials are accelerating, with growth in mortality far outpacing colon cancer, suggesting primary care doctors should fully investigate early symptoms in patients under age 45, according to a study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026.
U.S. researchers at the University of Syracuse are alerting the number of cases of rectum cancer in young adults to increase two to three times as fast as other cancers.
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