Doctors see increase in colorectal cancer in young people
HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) – The deaths of beloved actors James Van Der Beek and Catherine O’Hara from colorectal cancer have triggered conversations about the disease that affects thousands of Americans each year.
“Colon and rectal cancer is one of the more common cancers we see in the United States. About 150,000 cases are diagnosed each year,” said Dr. Michael White, a surgical oncologist at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
While overall diagnoses are declining, White said doctors are seeing more young people developing colorectal cancer.
He said there are theories as to why, but no clear through line.
“It’s probably somewhat related to genetics, somewhat related to environmental exposure, somewhat related to our own diet and exercise, how healthy our lifestyle is,” White said.
Van Der Beek, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” was 48 when he died, just over a year after announcing his stage three diagnosis.
“I certainly have seen it in people who do all the right things or are healthy, run everyday, those kind of things. It can happen to anyone,” White said. “You certainly don’t want to ignore symptoms and certainly when you get to that age of recommended screening, you should definitely do that.”
Colonoscopies used to be recommended for people with average risk at age 50, but that recommendation has been lowered to 45.
Earlier screening is recommended for those with family history or showing symptoms.
“Just because you’re someone in your 30s or early 40s, if you’re having symptoms that are abnormal it’s not a reason to ignore them, because we do see people with cancer in that age range,” White said.
Symptoms for colon and rectal cancer include sudden changes to bowel movements, blood in stool, and unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain.
“Those are all kind of symptoms that should make you have some degree of concern and be checked out so we can assess and make sure that’s not something more ominous going on,” White said.
Copyright 2026 WWBT. All rights reserved.