Patient reactions to colorectal cancer estimated to become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for those 20-49 by 2030

In a recent JAMA publication, researchers predict, “For the age group 20-49, colorectal cancer was estimated to become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030.”

Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization, is committed to amplifying the patient voice and pushing for more research to understand the phenomenon of colorectal cancer cases under age 50. This is unacceptable news for patients, and we’re rallying to share our stories and push for policy change and research to change the statistics.

“Around the world, we hear stories from young patients under age 50 who are fighting colorectal cancer, and too many are dying,” said Anjee Davis, president of Fight CRC. “This article points to ages 20-49, which is considered Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer (EAO CRC). Prevention and incidence rates cannot be averted with screening alone. The issues facing the EAO CRC community go beyond prevention. With urgency, Fight CRC is rallying scientists, healthcare providers, and patient organizations to push for more research. The data compels us to find a way to chart a new course because young lives are counting on us to find answers.”

While approximately 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people over the age of 50, since the mid-1990s, the number of new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing among adults under 50 years old. Many young adults are being overlooked because screening doesn’t typically begin until age 45 or 50. The USPSTF is currently reviewing draft language that would lower its recommended screening age to 45, but this does not address the youngest patients facing colorectal cancer.

Those ready to push Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer (EAO CRC) research forward should plan to attend the virtual Rally on Research taking place June 24-25, 2021, which will further a global research network and agenda dedicated to tackling this disease. Panels of international EAO CRC patients, clinicians, and research will be engaging in discussions about what research is being done now, and where the research agenda needs to go to save lives.

Colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, and loved ones are being encouraged to reach out to their members of Congress to urge them to support the creation of a Colorectal Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense. EAO CRC encompasses a key age group for active-duty military, and we’re pushing for the creation of a program to fund high-impact, high reward research since it’s an important step toward addressing these trends. 

Those fighting early-age onset colorectal cancer can’t wait and watch for 2030; lives are at stake. Fight CRC is committed to being relentless in its efforts to align with the needs of colorectal cancer patients, raise awareness, and chart a brighter future. Visit FightCRC.org/EAOCRC to learn more.