February brought a harsh dose of reality as the nation mourned the loss of “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek to colorectal cancer. The actor, who was 48 when he died, announced his diagnosis in 2024 and publicly shared his journey on social media as he came to grips with it. His death has brought the disease back into the spotlight as more younger people understand they are still at risk.
While the majority of colorectal diagnoses occur in people ages 50 and older, the number of diagnoses and deaths in individuals younger than 50 has been on the rise.
A study published in late January by the American Cancer Society lists colorectal cancers as the top cause of cancer deaths in people younger than 50. Alarmingly, the study found that colorectal cancer deaths have increased 1.1% each year from 2005 to 2023, according to Moffitt Cancer Center.
This year alone, the Society estimates about 3,890 people younger than 50 will die of colorectal cancer.
Screening guidelines were recently modified to begin at age 45 with a colonoscopy every 10 years or a stool test every one to three years. Doctors hope the revised recommendations will help to catch the disease earlier.
In addition, they advise anyone — regardless of age — who has a family history or is showing symptoms to discuss screening with their doctor. Common symptoms can include ongoing diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, sudden changes in bowel movements, and iron deficiencies.