From 2000 to 2020, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer decreased by nearly half. However, among people younger than 50, the rate rose.

Overall, colorectal cancer incidence has been decreasing. But surprisingly, the incidence rate among young people is on the rise.

“Some new exposure” that emerged in the mid-20th century could be causing it, Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, told The Epoch Times.

According to data from the American Cancer Society, from 2000 to 2020, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer decreased by nearly half. However, among people younger than 50, the rate rose to more than eight per 100,000 people from six per 100,000 people.