1A 'In Good Health': Why Is Colorectal Cancer Affecting Generations Differently?
Mar 19, 2026
Rebecca Siegel, epidemiologist who led the study on rising rates; Mark Pochapin, gastroenterologist who performs colonoscopies; Jeffrey Meyerhardt, oncologist focused on colorectal cancer. They discuss the sharp rise in colorectal and rectal cancers among younger generations. They cover symptoms to watch for, screening options and colonoscopy steps, possible environmental and lifestyle drivers, and the unique challenges younger patients face.
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Increase Focused In Rectum And Sigmoid Colon
- The recent increase is concentrated in the rectum and sigmoid colon rather than the whole colon.
- Dr. Mark Pochapin notes rectal cancers present with bleeding and are driving the uptick, explaining why younger patients show different symptoms.
Get Bleeding Or Bowel Changes Evaluated Immediately
- If you experience rectal bleeding or persistent bowel changes, get evaluated promptly and consider colonoscopy.
- Dr. Mark Pochapin warns younger patients are often delayed or dismissed; insist on evaluation instead of assuming hemorrhoids.
Start Screening At 45 Or Sooner With Family History
- Universal screening age lowered to 45, and people with family history should start 10 years before the youngest affected relative.
- Jeffrey Meyerhardt emphasizes polyps begin cancers and family history of polyps moves screening into your 30s or earlier.