Why are colorectal cancer rates rising in younger people?

More than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. And the average age of people who get them is dropping. The American Cancer Society says the share of colorectal cancer cases among those younger than 55 nearly doubled between 1995 and 2019, rising from 11 percent to 20 percent. Why is this happening? What can people do to reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer? For answers, we turn to oncologist and epidemiologist Dr. Otis Brawley, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Links:The Rise of Colorectal Cancers Among Younger PeopleBringing Informed Decision-Making to Cancer ScreeningDo you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472