Rectal Cancer Rates Rise, Driving Increase in Younger Adults

Rectal cancers now account for nearly one-third of all colorectal cancer diagnoses.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new report from the American Cancer Society shows that rectal cancer rates are rising, driving an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people younger than 65. Rectal cancers now make up nearly one-third of all colorectal cancer cases, up from 27% in the mid-2000s. Colorectal cancer rates in people under 65 are surging, with nearly half of new diagnoses occurring in this age group, up from 27% in 1995.

Why it matters

The shift toward younger adults with colorectal cancer is prompting doctors to urge earlier education about the disease that, for generations, was considered something that only occurred in older age. Researchers don't fully understand why rectal cancer in particular is increasing in prevalence.

The details

Between 2018 and 2022, rectal cancer diagnoses rose by 1% each year in all age groups. Colorectal cancer rates since the late 1990s have increased by 3% each year for people ages 20 to 49, increased by 0.4% each year for adults ages 50 to 64, and decreased by 2.5% each year for adults 65 and older. Rectal cancer symptoms tend to be more dramatic than colon cancer, including bright red blood and an urgent need to use the bathroom.

  • Between 2018 and 2022, rectal cancer diagnoses rose by 1% each year in all age groups.
  • Colorectal cancer rates since the late 1990s have increased by 3% each year for people ages 20 to 49.

The players

American Cancer Society

The organization that published the report on the rise in rectal cancer rates.

Dr. Arif Kamal

Chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society.

Andreana Holowatyj

Assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Caitlin Murphy

Cancer epidemiologist at the University of Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have an epidemic of young people with colon or rectal cancer up until recently. It's really a phenomenon in the last five years or so that we've started to see this.”

— Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief patient officer, American Cancer Society (nbcnews.com)

“We know young patients are presenting with signs and symptoms, and that there's about a 4- to 6-month gap between symptom presentation and diagnosis, which is alarming. How do we educate Gen Zers, millennials and future generations?”

— Andreana Holowatyj, Assistant professor of hematology and oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

There will be decisions to be made within the next couple years about whether the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening should be lowered from 45 to an even younger age.

The takeaway

The rise in rectal cancer rates, especially among younger adults, highlights the need for earlier education and screening for colorectal cancer. Making lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercise can also help lower the risk of this deadly disease.