# Colon cancer rates rise in younger and older groups

> New study shows colon cancer rates increasing for both younger and older age groups.
- Title: Colon cancer rates rise in younger and older groups · Usatoday
- Summary: New study shows colon cancer rates increasing for both younger and older age groups. Colon cancer rates are rising in younger and older age groups, with the…
- Keywords: colon cancer, colorectal cancer, incidence rates, screening, national cancer institute, nejm evidence, university of chicago, causes, Usatoday
- Source: Usatoday — https://usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/10/29/colon-cancer-rates-rising-these-age-groups/92494914007
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: colon cancer, colorectal cancer, incidence rates, screening, national cancer institute, nejm evidence, university of chicago, causes, news, world
## Study finds rising colon cancer rates
Colon cancer rates are rising in younger and older age groups, with the sharpest increase among 45-49 year olds.

> There are many unique challenges when you're diagnosed with cancer at a young age, so it's important that we shine a spotlight on that problem
## Screening drives increase in rates
The study attributes the rise to more screenings after national recommendations lowered the age to begin screening from 50 to 45.
## Unknown factors offset screening gains
The authors note the increase in incidence overall is not fully explained by screening, suggesting unknown risk factors may be at play.
## Key takeaway

Colon cancer rates are rising in younger and older age groups, with the sharpest increase among 45-49 year olds.