Coverage dated October 26, 2026 to October 30, 2026

Study aims to find out why colon cancer cases are rising among young people

Headline from NBC Boston

Newest development Oct 29, 2026 · 3 reportsStudy aims to find out why colon cancer cases are rising among young people

Colon cancer is rising among young adults, and doctors are trying to understand why. A new study from Boston researchers is finding important differences in the tumors of younger patients. For one dad in Norwood, Massachusetts, it started with a phone call from his doctor that he’ll never forget.

NBC Boston's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Developments in this update

3 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

  1. Colon cancer rates rising across older age groups — and more health headlines

    Headline from WGN Chicago ·

  2. Colorectal cancer in younger patients shows distinct cellular and gene-activity patterns

    Headline from MedicalXpress ·

  3. Newest

    Study aims to find out why colon cancer cases are rising among young people

    Headline from NBC Boston ·

2 reports not tied to one development ·

Reports & sources

11 articles, oldest first.

  1. Live Science

    Colorectal cancer cases in kids have risen sixfold over past 2 decades ‪—‬ researchers are racing to understand why (opens Live Science)

    Published

    Live Science's feed description

    While rare, colorectal cancer is becoming more common in kids, teens and young adults, and the disease appears particularly aggressive in this age group.

  2. New York Post

    Colorectal cancer is surging in an unexpected group — and it’s ‘developing differently’ (opens New York Post)

    Published

    New York Post's feed description

    Scientists are racing to understand why the disease is shifting to new populations — and why it's appearing more aggressively.

  3. MedicalXpress

    Rising rates of colorectal cancer found in nearly all age groups (opens MedicalXpress)

    Published

    MedicalXpress's feed description

    Colorectal cancer rates are rising across younger and older age groups, according to a study published in NEJM Evidence.

  4. WGN Chicago

    Colon cancer rates rising across older age groups — and more health headlines (opens WGN Chicago)

    Published

    WGN Chicago's feed description

    For Tuesday, Oct. 27, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information.

  5. Live Science

    Study reveals new clues to why colorectal cancer in young people is so deadly (opens Live Science)

    Published

    Live Science's feed description

    Colorectal cancer in young people shows genetic and structural differences that may make it more aggressive and treatment-resistant than the cancer tends to be in older people.

  6. STAT

    STAT+: New atlas of colorectal tumors sheds light on why cancers in young people are more dangerous (opens STAT)

    Published

    STAT's feed description

    A new atlas of colorectal tumors sheds light on why cancers in young people are more dangerous.

  7. Insider

    Colon cancer looks different in young people — and often more aggressive, a new study found (opens Insider)

    Published

    Insider's feed description

    A new study found that tumors in younger colon cancer patients had different cellular makeup, sometimes making them more treatment-resistant.

  8. MedicalXpress

    Colorectal cancer in younger patients shows distinct cellular and gene-activity patterns (opens MedicalXpress)

    Published

    MedicalXpress's feed description

    Mass General Brigham researchers from the Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, along with researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute, have uncovered biological clues to why colorectal cancer can behave more aggressively in younger people.

  9. Fast Company

    Colon cancer rates are rising for the first time in 20 years. Here’s who’s most at risk (opens Fast Company)

    Published

    Fast Company's feed description

    If you’re overdue for a colonoscopy, let this be your reminder: Colorectal cancer rates are increasing for pretty much everyone. While word has gotten out of rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, a new study found that rates are rising across all age groups up to the age of 69.

  10. Money Talks News

    Colon Cancer Rates Are Rising in These Age Groups (opens Money Talks News)

    Published

    Money Talks News's feed description

    Earlier screening likely explains the sharpest jump among 45-to-49-year-olds, but unknown risk factors may be behind the rise in other age groups too.

  11. NBC Boston

    Study aims to find out why colon cancer cases are rising among young people (opens NBC Boston)

    Published

    NBC Boston's feed description

    Colon cancer is rising among young adults, and doctors are trying to understand why. A new study from Boston researchers is finding important differences in the tumors of younger patients. For one dad in Norwood, Massachusetts, it started with a phone call from his doctor that he’ll never forget.