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Stony Brook Today
By the People, for the People
Younger Adult Colon Cancer Deaths Linked to Education Levels
Study finds rise in colorectal cancer mortality concentrated among those without college degrees.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:06pm
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An X-ray view of the human colon reveals the hidden complexities of colorectal cancer, a disease that disproportionately impacts those with lower socioeconomic status.Stony Brook TodayA new study has found that the worrisome rise in colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults is concentrated in people with less education, suggesting socioeconomic factors could be driving the escalation. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data on over 101,000 younger adults aged 25-49 who died of colorectal cancer from 1994 to 2023. The findings show the colorectal cancer death rate increased from 4 to 5.2 per 100,000 for those with only a high school education, while remaining flat at 2.7 per 100,000 for those with at least a bachelor's degree.
Why it matters
The study highlights how socioeconomic disparities can impact health outcomes, with less educated and lower-income individuals facing higher risks of colorectal cancer mortality. This underscores the need for increased public awareness, screening, and access to preventive care to address this troubling trend.
The details
The researchers, led by Ahmedin Jemal of the American Cancer Society, found that the rise in colorectal cancer deaths among younger adults occurred almost entirely among people without a four-year college degree. Experts say this is likely due to factors like lower incomes, poorer diets, less exercise, and reduced access to medical care among those without higher education.
- The study analyzed data on over 101,000 younger adults aged 25-49 who died of colorectal cancer from 1994 through 2023.
- Overall, the colorectal cancer death rate rose from about 3 per 100,000 in that age group to about 4 per 100,000 over the last 30 years.
The players
Ahmedin Jemal
The first author of the study and a researcher at the American Cancer Society.
Paolo Boffetta
A researcher at Stony Brook Cancer Center in New York who was not involved in the study.
What they’re saying
“The findings underscore the need for public awareness about colorectal cancer and for younger adults to heed screening recommendations.”
— Ahmedin Jemal, Study first author
“The focus on education is really (due to) something which was available in the data.”
— Paolo Boffetta, Researcher
What’s next
The American Cancer Society recently lowered the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45, which could help detect the disease earlier in younger adults.
The takeaway
This study highlights how socioeconomic disparities, as measured by education level, can contribute to higher colorectal cancer mortality rates among younger adults. Addressing these underlying inequities through improved access to preventive care and public health education will be crucial to reversing this troubling trend.
