A surge in early-onset bowel cancer — affecting individuals under 50 — is alarming medical experts across the globe. A new scientific review has identified five major lifestyle-related factors that may be contributing to the increasing rates, particularly in younger populations.
Sharp Increase Among People in Their 20s and 30s
In the U.S., bowel cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death for men under 50 and the second leading cause for women in the same age group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases in Americans aged 20–24 have surged by 185%.
Similarly, across Europe, a 7.9% increase was recorded among people in their 20s over a 12-year period, based on a study covering 20 nations.
While bowel cancer remains most common among older adults — particularly those aged 85 to 89 in the UK — younger people are increasingly being diagnosed. Cancer Research UK data shows one in 20 cases now occurs in people under 50, and three diagnoses occur annually in those under 30.
In England, early-onset bowel cancer rates climbed 3.6% per year from 2007 to 2017, one of the steepest increases among developed countries.
5 Key Lifestyle Risks Identified
Researchers identified five modifiable risk factors consistently linked to early-onset bowel cancer:
1.Obesity
- Defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30
- Obesity in adolescence and even maternal obesity increases risk
- A U.S. study of 85,000 women found that obese women had nearly double the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer
2.Western-Style Diet
- High in red meat, processed foods, and sugary beverages
- Low in fiber and vegetables
- A study of 95,000 women found that drinking two or more sugary drinks daily more than doubled the risk
3.Alcohol Consumption
- Associated with up to a 71% higher risk, according to some studies
- Risk level depends on frequency and volume, though specific thresholds remain unclear
- NHS guidelines recommend limiting alcohol to 14 units per week
4.Smoking
- Contributes to early bowel cancer, with about a 35% increased risk
- Continues to be a recognized carcinogenic behavior affecting multiple organ systems
5.Physical Inactivity
- Sedentary lifestyles linked to increased cancer risk
- A study of 86,000 British participants found that taking two brisk walks per day reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 11%
Other Factors and Delayed Diagnoses
In addition to modifiable lifestyle behaviors, researchers noted that many early-onset cases appear sporadically, without a clear genetic or environmental cause. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects one in five young adults, may also play a role, according to researchers at the University of Bristol.
One of the challenges in combating early-onset bowel cancer is delayed diagnosis. Since cancer is less suspected in younger patients, symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed, leading to later-stage discoveries and reduced treatment success.
Awareness, Screening, and Prevention
Dame Deborah James, a prominent advocate for bowel cancer awareness in younger populations, helped highlight the issue through The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign before her passing in 2022 at age 40.
In the UK, the NHS sends at-home testing kits to people aged 54 to 74 every two years. These fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) check for traces of blood in stool — an early warning sign of bowel cancer. However, no regular screening exists for those under 50 without genetic risk.
Medical experts are now calling for increased awareness, expanded screening options, and lifestyle changes as a way to curb the rising tide of early-onset bowel cancer.
“Public health efforts should focus on prevention through healthy living and earlier detection,” said Prof. Char. “Young adults must understand their risk isn’t zero — and that many of these risks are within their control.”
What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
- Reduce intake of sugary drinks and processed foods
- Stay physically active with regular walking or moderate exercise
- Monitor changes in bowel habits and seek early medical advice
Raising awareness of these behaviors — and their impact — could be key to preventing future cases and saving lives.
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