Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer for young adults

A JAMA study found that colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer death for U.S. adults under 50 by 2023, with deaths from colon and rectal cancers rising about 1.1% per year since 2005 while mortality from other major cancers declined.

New research published in JAMA reports that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for people under 50 in the United States as of 2023. The study used national mortality data from 1990 through 2023 to compare trends across cancers. Overall cancer deaths before age 50 fell during that period, but deaths from colon and rectal cancers rose. Authors and outside experts say the reasons for the rise are not yet fully understood and call for more study. Key facts: - The JAMA analysis, based on CDC National Center for Health Statistics data, found colorectal cancer surpassed other cancers to become the top cause of cancer death for people under 50 in 2023. - Deaths from colon and rectal cancers in this age group increased about 1.1% per year since 2005. - From 1990 through 2023, the overall death rate from cancer before age 50 fell by roughly 44%, with declines reported for brain, breast, leukemia and lung cancers. - Researchers noted screening and diagnosis issues: only about 37% of adults ages 45 to 49 were up-to-date on colorectal screening, and more than 60% of colorectal cancer patients under 50 are estimated to be diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. Summary: The study indicates a shifting pattern in cancer mortality for younger adults, with colorectal cancer rising as other major cancer deaths fall. Researchers and clinicians highlighted gaps in understanding the causes and urged more research; they also noted that higher screening uptake among 45–49-year-olds could affect detection and outcomes. Undetermined at this time.