Experts have lowered the recommended age to get screened and take action.
Getting a colonoscopy is something many people don’t even start thinking about until the gray hairs begin to show. But the news of actor James Van Der Beek’s death in February 2026 at age 48 — following a public battle with colorectal cancer — is a powerful reminder that this disease does not just strike the elderly. The rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50 has been rising by about 2–3% per year over the past decade, according to the American Cancer Society.
This sharp rise prompted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended age for average-risk people to start screening to 45 -- just four years after it had set it at 50. A colonoscopy allows physicians to view the inside of the lower digestive tract up close, so that they may spot cancer at an earlier stage and intervene right away. When caught early, colorectal cancer is very treatable.
Know the signs
It’s not unusual for younger people to dismiss or misinterpret colorectal cancer clues as typical “stomach issues.” The most common signs of colorectal cancer in younger patients include:
- Blood in the stool
- Change in stool and/or difficulty in bowel movements
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Abdominal pain and cramping
It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any of these changes so that you can be put on the best treatment path.
Be aware of the risks and prevention strategies
Despite all of this, age still is the #1 risk factor for colorectal cancer, followed by a history of colorectal polyps as determined by a previous colonoscopy. An increase in colonoscopies in the over-50 age group, and being able to spot and remove those polyps before they turn into something worse, is a key reason for the decline in of colon cancer rates for that segment of the population.
Everyone, no matter their age, can lower their risk by:
- Eating a normal, balanced diet, including plenty of fiber and water
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking – a great idea under any circumstance
The colonoscopy remains the gold standard in spotting and diagnosing an issue before it becomes life-threatening. Stool DNA testing and bloodwork may indicate an abnormality, but won’t tell you if you have a polyp or precancerous lesion.
Knowing that colonoscopies can help prevent and eliminate polyps and cancers down the road should make scheduling the test a lot more bearable. With improvements in the procedure and the day-before prep involved, there’s no reason to put it off.
Find out if you should be screened for colorectal cancer.
Dr. Kimberly Yee is a colorectal surgeon and Director of the Colorectal Surgery Program at White Plains Hospital. To make an appointment, call (914) 948-1000.