The death of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman at age 43 and last year’s diagnosis of actor James Van Der Beek at age 47 have brought national attention to the rise in colon and rectal cancer in people under 50. While overall rates of colon and rectal cancer have declined over the past 30 years due to increased screening, cases among people under 50 have been rising by approximately 1-2% per year. There isn’t a single definitive explanation for the rise in cases among younger people, but this shift highlights the need for innovative solutions in prevention, detection and treatment for individuals of all ages.
Innovations in early detection are coming—but get your colonoscopy
The decline in colon and rectal cancer deaths is largely due to increased awareness and improved access to screening. If you are at average risk, you should begin regular screening at age 45. Colonoscopies remain the gold standard and should be repeated at recommended intervals, typically every 10 years, or more frequently depending on individual risk factors.
Advancements in early detection continue to evolve, with promising research into blood-based and stool-based tests that may enhance screening accessibility in the future. However, colonoscopy not only detects colon and rectal cancer at its earliest stages but also prevents it by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer.
Genetic testing: A vital tool
Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all contribute to a person’s risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. Recent advancements in genetic screening—including polygenic risk scores (PRS)—are improving our ability to assess individual risk and aid in early detection. PRS calculates a person’s genetic predisposition to certain diseases based on variations in their DNA. As our understanding of genetic contributions to cancer risk grows, PRS allows us to better identify individuals at high risk for colon and rectal cancer, enabling more personalized screening and treatment strategies.
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Robotic-assisted + minimally invasive surgery: Advancing precision and recovery
Surgery is often a crucial part of colon and rectal cancer treatment. While traditional open surgery can be highly invasive, requiring longer recovery times and potentially carrying a higher risk of complications, advancements in minimally invasive techniques are transforming surgical care.
Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and control. Using a robotic system, surgeons benefit from a high-definition 3D view of the surgical area, improved dexterity and greater accuracy in tissue removal. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques offer significant advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and faster recovery times. These approaches are particularly beneficial in colon and rectal cancer surgery, where precision is essential for minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Learn about colon and rectal surgery
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: Transforming colon + rectal cancer treatment
In addition to surgery and traditional chemotherapy, recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapy are providing new hope for colon and rectal cancer treatment, particularly for those with advanced or metastatic disease.
Immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system
Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While it has revolutionized treatment for some cancers, its success in colon and rectal cancer has been more limited. However, individuals with specific genetic mutations—such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR)—have shown significant responses to immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Ongoing research aims to identify additional biomarkers and expand the use of immunotherapy for a broader range of colon and rectal cancer patients.
Targeted therapy: A personalized approach
Targeted therapies work by focusing on specific genetic mutations or proteins that drive cancer growth. In colon and rectal cancer, treatments such as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapies and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) inhibitors help control tumor progression by blocking the signals that enable cancer cells to multiply. These therapies represent a shift toward personalized medicine, allowing for more tailored and potentially more effective treatment strategies.
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The bottom line
Significant advances in colon and rectal cancer prevention, detection and treatment are improving outcomes and saving lives. Take charge of your health—talk to your doctor about your risk, schedule your colonoscopy and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk.
