In recent years, an alarming health trend has emerged that affects not just older adults, but increasingly younger people as well. According to research reported by CNN and NBC News and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Americans under the age of 50. This represents a dramatic shift from just a few decades ago, when colorectal cancer ranked much lower among causes of cancer deaths in this age group.
For women and families, this information can feel overwhelming. But it also brings an important message of empowerment: many colorectal cancers are preventable or highly treatable when detected early. Knowing your family history, sharing that information with your primary care provider and OB/GYN, and following national screening guidelines can truly save lives.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that develop in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum, which together form the lower part of the digestive system. Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
Many early-stage colorectal cancers cause no symptoms at all, which is why screening is so critical. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
Because these symptoms can overlap with common, less serious conditions, they are sometimes dismissed—especially in younger adults.
For a medical overview, the Mayo Clinic provides a patient-friendly guide to colorectal cancer, including causes, symptoms, and diagnosis:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer
Why Are Cases Rising in Younger Adults?
Researchers are still working to fully understand why colorectal cancer is increasing among people under 50. Some possible contributing factors include:
- Dietary patterns, including high intake of processed foods and low fiber consumption
- Sedentary lifestyles and limited physical activity
- Obesity and metabolic health conditions
- Changes in the gut microbiome
- Genetic and inherited risk factors
While lifestyle plays a role, one of the strongest predictors of risk remains family history. This is where women, especially those who manage healthcare for themselves and their families, can make a powerful difference.
The Power of Knowing Your Family History
Your family health history is more than just a list of diagnoses—it is a critical tool for personalized medical care.
You may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer if:
- A parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer
- Multiple relatives on one side of the family have had colorectal cancer
- A family member was diagnosed at a young age (under 50)
- There is a known inherited condition, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
These genetic conditions significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal and other cancers, including gynecologic cancers such as endometrial and ovarian cancer—which is why this topic is especially important in an OB/GYN setting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a helpful guide on how to collect and organize your family health history:
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/famhistory
Why Sharing This Information Matters
Many patients assume that only their primary care physician needs to know about their family history. In reality, your OB/GYN plays a vital role in your overall health—not just reproductive care.
Sharing your family history with both your OB/GYN and primary care provider allows your care team to:
- Identify whether you need earlier or more frequent screening
- Refer you for genetic counseling or testing when appropriate
- Coordinate care across specialties
- Monitor for related cancer risks, including gynecologic cancers
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes the importance of genetic risk assessment and coordinated care in women’s health:
https://www.acog.org/clinical
National Screening Guidelines: What You Need to Know
One of the most important steps in preventing colorectal cancer is routine screening. Screening can find polyps before they turn into cancer or detect cancer at an early, highly treatable stage.
Current Recommendations
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS):
- Average-risk adults should begin screening at age 45
- Screening should continue through at least age 75
You may need to start earlier than 45 if you have:
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer
- A known genetic syndrome
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
The American Cancer Society outlines screening options in detail here:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer
Types of Screening Tests
There are several effective screening methods, and your provider can help you choose the one that fits your risk level and preferences:
- Colonoscopy: A visual exam of the entire colon; allows for removal of polyps during the same procedure
- Stool-based tests: Look for blood or DNA changes in stool samples
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower part of the colon
- CT colonography: A specialized imaging test
Each option has different intervals and preparation requirements. What matters most is getting screened on schedule.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides a helpful comparison of screening tests:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal
The Role of Women in Family Health Advocacy
Women often serve as the “health coordinators” for their families—scheduling appointments, tracking medical histories, and encouraging loved ones to seek care. This role can be lifesaving.
Simple steps you can take include:
- Asking relatives about cancer diagnoses and ages at diagnosis
- Writing down this information and bringing it to medical visits
- Encouraging partners, siblings, and adult children to follow screening guidelines
When families talk openly about health history, risks can be identified earlier and managed more effectively.
A Message of Hope and Action
While the rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults is concerning, there is also good news: this is a cancer we can often prevent or catch early.
By:
- Knowing your family history
- Sharing that information with your OB/GYN and primary care provider
- Following national screening guidelines
- Paying attention to new or unusual symptoms
You take an active role in protecting your health and the health of those you love.
If you have questions about your personal risk or screening options, we encourage you to schedule a visit with your care team. Your OB/GYN and primary care provider can work together to create a plan tailored specifically to you.
Trusted Resources
- Mayo Clinic – Colorectal Cancer Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer - American Cancer Society – Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer - National Cancer Institute – Colorectal Cancer Information
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal - CDC – Family Health History Tool
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/famhistory - ACOG – Genetics and Women’s Health
https://www.acog.org/clinical
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your physician for recommendations specific to your health history.
El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, Pooja Gupta, and Vivian Wan, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy), are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano has also completed a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat. Angel Wong, PA-C, is a physician assistant who sees patients for routine and lower-acuity care.
All of our physicians are El Camino Hospital doctors and operate and deliver at the Mountain View campus.
As part of El Camino Women’s Medical Group’s commitment to comprehensive care for women, we offer in-network mental health services with world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Rania Awaad and experienced therapist Daniya Ahmed, LMFT. For women seeking to improve their health through a healthier diet, Mariam AlAgha, MS, is an excellent nutritionist with over a decade of success helping women achieve their health goals. Her services are also in network.
Serving Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Burlingame, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, Milpitas, Fremont, South Bay, East Bay, and North Bay.