Colon cancer is on the rise among young people and research points to one major culprit | Devi Sridhar

"The increase is real and global, rising from approximately 94,700 cases in 1990 to 225,736 in 2019. A study across Europe found that for those aged 20-29, incidence rose 7.9% per year between 2004 and 2016, with the rates increasing by 4.9% in those aged 3039, and 1.6% in the 40-49 group in roughly the same period. Not only is colon cancer increasing in every age cohort under 50, the growth rate is highest in the youngest group."

"What's causing the rise in young people? We can rule out genetics: it's estimated that 75% of cases are in people with no previous family history or known genetic predisposition. Scientists have started to look at environmental factors tied to the increase in colon cancer since the 1960s, with each generation more likely to get cancer than the previous one. One factor keeps emerging as a major culprit: ultra-processed foods, with a 2025 review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology highlighting the links."

Colorectal cancer incidence has risen significantly among people under 50 worldwide, increasing from approximately 94,700 cases in 1990 to 225,736 in 2019. Rates have declined in those over 60 while early-onset disease grows fastest in the youngest cohorts, with annual increases of 7.9% for ages 20-29, 4.9% for ages 30-39, and 1.6% for ages 40-49 in parts of Europe. Projections suggest early-onset colorectal cancer could double every 15 years in several high-income countries. Approximately 75% of cases occur without a family history or known genetic predisposition, implicating environmental contributors. Ultra-processed foods emerge as a leading suspected factor. Screening programs commonly exclude people under 50, causing later-stage diagnoses in younger patients.

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