April 17, 2026- Thejus (TJ) Jayakrishnan, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, wasn’t surprised by a recent American Cancer Society study showing that while overall cancer mortality among Americans under 50 has declined, colorectal cancer rates have risen. In fact, colorectal cancer incidence has steadily increased since 2005 and, by 2023, became the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under 50.
“The increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults is something we’ve been noticing over the last several years,” said Dr. Jayakrishnan, who treats patients at Dana-Farber’s Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Center, led by Dr. Kimmie Ng. “The creation of a dedicated center reflects how urgently this trend needs focused clinical care and research.”
The reasons behind the surge in cases are still largely unknown, though researchers have identified several potential contributing factors. One pattern, known as a “birth cohort effect,” suggests that successive generations face higher risks of developing colorectal cancer before age 50. “Because this increase is happening over generations, it’s likely related to environmental exposures – changes in diet and lifestyle,” Dr. Jayakrishnan said. Studies have linked risk to factors such as consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed foods, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol use, and smoking.
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