[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk-2\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk-2\/","headline":"Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults: RCCA Oncologists Share 3 Ways to Cut Your Risk\u2028","name":"Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults: RCCA Oncologists Share 3 Ways to Cut Your Risk\u2028","description":"Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults: RCCA Oncologists Share 3 Ways to Cut Your Risk\u2028 March 24, 2026 The February 11 announcement that actor James Van Der Beek had died at age 48 highlighted a troubling trend \u2013 the increasing rates of colon cancer and rectal cancer diagnoses and deaths among people younger than […]","datePublished":"2026-03-24","dateModified":"2026-03-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1458871488.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1458871488.jpg","height":482,"width":724},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk-2\/","about":["Uncategorized","All Cancers"],"wordCount":1987,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults: RCCA Oncologists Share 3 Ways to Cut Your Risk\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 24, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe February 11 announcement that actor James Van Der Beek had died at age 48 highlighted a troubling trend \u2013 the increasing rates of colon cancer and rectal cancer diagnoses and deaths among people younger than 50 years old.\u201cOverall, new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) and deaths from the disease have been declining for several years in the United States, but the situation in people age 49 or younger is running counter to that general trend,\u201d says Robert F. Tassan, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA). RCCA is one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists, with more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area.\u201cSince 2011, new cases of the disease have been rising about by about 2% each year in people under age 50.1 Meanwhile, from 2004 to 2023, the rate of deaths caused by colorectal cancer rose by an average of 1.3% a year for men and by 0.8% for women,\u201d2 explains Dr. Tassan, who practices in RCCA\u2019s Westwood, NJ offices.The oncologist continues, \u201cThe American Cancer Society estimates that 55,230 people across the United States will lose their lives to colorectal cancer in 2026.3 While about 87% of those deaths will occur in people aged 55 and older, more than 7,000 of those losses will involve younger people, such as Mr. Van Der Beek.\u201d43 Effective Ways to Reduce Your Colorectal Cancer RiskGurpreet S. Lamba, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA\u2019s Freehold and Toms River, NJ, offices, adds that the reasons for increased CRC diagnoses and deaths in younger adults are not entirely understood but are the focus of intensive research.\u201cSeveral potential causes have been proposed, including lifestyle and environmental changes over the past few decades, such as higher rates of obesity, processed food intake, sedentary habits, and possibly changes in the gut microbiome. Most cases are\u00a0not hereditary, and many occur in people without a strong family history. Because it has traditionally been considered a disease of older adults, symptoms in younger people may sometimes be recognized later, which can affect outcomes.\u00a0We have a great deal more to learn about the factors involved and how they interact in people in this age group,\u201d Dr. Lamba explains. He adds, \u201cWhile it is essential that we identify the causes driving this trend, people don\u2019t need to await those answers to take three important steps to protect their health.\u201dLifestyle Habits to Reduce Colorectal Cancer RiskThe cancer specialist explains that the first of those steps is to adopt lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of developing CRC. \u201cThe American Cancer Society notes that regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by roughly 30%,1 while studies suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also can help.5 Other evidence indicates that consuming about 400 grams a day of dairy products can cut risk by 10%,\u201d1 Dr. Lamba notes.Know the Signs of Colorectal CancerKnowing the potential signs and symptoms of CRC also is critical, Dr. Lamba says. He adds that potential indicators of colorectal cancer include:Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few daysA feeling of needing to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having oneRectal bleeding with bright red bloodBlood in the stool, which may make the stool look dark brown or blackCramping or abdominal (belly) pain6\u201cIt\u2019s important to note that a change in bowel habits or one of these other signs could be caused by any number of conditions, most of which are benign. So, if you experience one of these symptoms, it is not reason to panic, but it is reason to see your doctor without delay so that you can identify and address whatever is causing the issue,\u201d Dr. Lamba says.Colorectal Cancer ScreeningsThe medical oncologist notes that the third step people can take to reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer is particularly important but often under-utilized. \u201cColonoscopy enables gastroenterologists to identify and remove precancerous polyps before those growths become malignant. Studies involving tens of thousands of patients have shown that the procedure has an extremely low rate of adverse effects and can reduce risk for colon cancer by 31% to 49% or even more,\u201d he says.7,8Dr. Lamba adds, \u201cThe American Cancer Society and United States Preventive Services Taks Force recommend that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45.9,10 I really urge people to follow those guidelines and start screening at that age if you are at average risk for CRC. However, if you are at elevated risk because of a strong family history of colorectal cancer or some other factor, you should talk with your physician about start screening earlier.\u201d\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tActor James Van Der BeekSource: Super Festivals, licensed under\u00a0Creative Commons\u00a0Attribution 2.0 Generic\u00a0license.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cRegular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by roughly 30%, while studies suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also can help.\u201d\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- Gurpreet S. Lamba, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cRecent years have seen tremendous advances in our ability to treat colorectal cancer across all stages of the disease, but we continue to achieve the best outcomes when the cancer is found early.\u201d  Robert F. Tassan, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t More Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options Offer Hope Dr. Tassan echoes Dr. Lamba\u2019s comments about the importance of starting screening at age 45, or younger, if indicated.\u201cRecent years have seen tremendous advances in our ability to treat colorectal cancer across all stages of the disease, but we continue to achieve the best outcomes when the cancer is found early. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized disease is 91%, as compared to 63% for all stages combined.11 With early, localized disease, our goal is cure, while the focus when colorectal cancer has spread to distant parts of the body shifts to prolonging life while maintaining a good quality of life.\u201dThe medical oncologist adds that immunotherapies that harness the power of the patient\u2019s own immune system, targeted therapies that act specifically against genetic mutations or biological processes driving cancer growth, and other innovative therapies have transformed the management of both early and advanced colorectal cancer.\u201cAt RCCA, our mission is to make these cutting-edge therapies, as well as clinical trials, available to people in a community-based setting. I am very proud of our ability to provide the latest treatments and comprehensive, compassionate care to people at convenient locations near their homes,\u201d the physician says.Dr. Tassan adds, \u201cThis year, it is estimated that more than 158,000 people across the United States will learn that they have colorectal cancer. That total includes roughly 4,500 people here in New Jersey, where I practice, and \u2013 nationwide \u2013 more than 16,000 people age 45 or younger.3 As someone who has cared for thousands of patients over the years, I know that learning that you have cancer can be cause for considerable anxiety. But I want you to know that, regardless of where you live or how old you are, there also has never been greater cause for hope that your cancer can be treated effectively. So, absolutely, adopt the healthy habits and follow the screening recommendations that can help you reduce your risk, but if \u2013 unfortunately \u2013 you or someone you love should receive a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, know that there is reason to be encouraged and that we are here for you.\u201dFind Expert Colorectal Cancer Care Near You in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., AreaDr. Lamba and Dr. Tassan are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact RCCA.ReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025.Siegel RL, Wagle NS, Jemal A. Leading cancer deaths in people younger than 50 years JAMA. 2026;335(7):632-634.American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. Available at https:\/\/seer.cancer.gov\/statfacts\/html\/colorect.html. Accessed February 22, 2026.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reducing Risk for Colorectal Cancer. Available at https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/colorectal-cancer\/prevention\/index.html. Accessed February 22, 2026.American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/colon-rectal-cancer\/detection-diagnosis-staging\/signs-and-symptoms.html. Accessed February 22, 2026. Bretthauer M, Loberg M, Wieszczy, et al. Effect of colonoscopy screening on risks of colorectal cancer and related death. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:1547-56.Knudsen MD, Wang K, Wang L. Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality after negative colonoscopy screening results. JAMA Oncol. 2025;11;(1):46-54.\u00a0doi:10.1001\/jamaoncol.2024.5227.American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/health-care-professionals\/american-cancer-society-prevention-early-detection-guidelines\/colorectal-cancer-screening-guidelines.html. Accessed February 22, 2026.United States Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement. Colorectal Cancer: Screening. May 18, 2021. Available at https:\/\/www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org\/uspstf\/recommendation\/colorectal-cancer-screening. Accessed February 22, 2026.American Cancer Society. Survival rates for colorectal cancer. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/colon-rectal-cancer\/detection-diagnosis-staging\/survival-rates.html. Accessed February 22, 2026.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tColorectal Cancer in Younger Adults: A Statistical Snapshot 158,850 \u2013 estimated number of total new cases in the U.S. in 2026123% \u2013 percentage of new cases occurring in people aged 54 and younger22% \u2013 average annual increase in new cases in people under age 50355,230 \u2013 estimated total number of deaths from CRC in the U.S. in 2026112.7% \u2013 percentage of deaths from CRC occurring in people aged 54 and younger21.3% \u2013 average annual increase in rate of deaths caused by CRC in men from 2004 to 202340.8% \u2013 average annual increase in rate of deaths caused by CRC in women from 2004 to 20234References:American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. Available at https:\/\/seer.cancer.gov\/statfacts\/html\/colorect.html. Accessed February 22, 2026.American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025.Siegel RL, Wagle NS, Jemal A. Leading cancer deaths in people younger than 50 years JAMA. 2026;335(7):632-634.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults: RCCA Oncologists Share 3 Ways to Cut Your Risk\u2028","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk-2\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]