Colorectal cancer rising among under-50s, actor James Van Der Beek death highlights trend

US actor James Van Der Beek, 48, died last week from colorectal cancer, the latest case in a surge of the disease among people under 50. The actor, diagnosed in 2023, joins Chadwick Boseman (43) as young celebrities affected by the disease. Colorectal cancer rates among under-50s have risen by roughly a third since the 1990s, now becoming the leading cancer killer in this age group in the US. While lifestyle factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise contribute, these cannot fully explain the rapid increase. Van Der Beek, in excellent health before diagnosis, exemplifies cases where young patients are often diagnosed late. Researchers are investigating potential causes including gut microbiome changes and antibiotic use, with DNA mutations from E.Coli toxin colibactin showing higher prevalence in younger patients. Screening age in the US has lowered to 45 due to rising cases, contrasting with UK/France starting at 50. Symptoms include bowel changes, blood in stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/18/why-are-more-under-50s-getting-colorectal-cancer-we-dont-know/