Rectal cancer deaths rising rapidly among millennials: 'It's a medical crisis.'

5 hours ago

Rectal cancer deaths are rising rapidly among younger adults, particularly millennials, with rates increasing two to three times faster than colon cancer.
If trends continue, rectal cancer deaths may surpass colon cancer deaths by 2035, with colorectal cancer being the top cause of cancer death in people under 50.
The rise in rectal cancer is driving overall colorectal cancer increases in those under 65, with diagnoses climbing 3% yearly since the late 1990s.
Hispanic adults have seen the steepest rise in rectal cancer deaths, with the fastest-growing mortality rates among all demographic groups.
Scientists lack a clear explanation for the increase, suggesting it may be linked to modern exposures, such as disrupted gut microbiomes from sugary drinks in childhood, rather than hereditary factors.
Symptoms of rectal cancer include bright red blood in stool, urgency to use the bathroom after bowel movements, and changes in bowel function, which should prompt medical evaluation.
Screening for colon cancer is recommended starting at age 45, but younger adults with symptoms or family history should seek earlier diagnosis to reduce advanced-stage detection and improve outcomes.

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