Cara Anthony, Blake Farmer. KFF Health News / Nashville Public Radio. 2026 Jun 16.
More than a dozen cancers are now rising among U.S. adults under 50, with colorectal and breast cancers increasing the most; colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer for Americans ages 18 to 49. No single cause has been identified, but contributing factors likely include obesity, heavy alcohol use, environmental exposures such as microplastics, and disruptions to gut health. Because standard screening guidelines are set at the population level, family history is one of the most important signals for starting earlier—as illustrated by a patient diagnosed at 33 who later learned her grandfather had colorectal cancer and whose father, aunt, and brother were all subsequently diagnosed. Experts urge people to report persistent unusual symptoms promptly, consult a physician before relying on at-home test kits, and establish a trusted medical relationship to assess personal risk, including referral to a genetic cancer risk specialist when warranted.
20 Jun, 2026