Published by Uday Deshmukh on March 28th, 2025

Employee benefits brokers and consultants play a pivotal role in shaping the health and wellness offerings for the employers they work with. While offering traditional health benefits is important, it’s becoming increasingly clear that more proactive measures may be needed to address emerging health trends among members. One such trend is the alarming rise of colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger adults, a development that has far-reaching implications for both employers and their employees.

CRC_Blog_web_500x333.png

Why Early Screening Matters

For decades, CRC was considered a disease that primarily struck older adults, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. However, a disturbing trend has emerged in recent years: CRC is on the rise among younger adults, according to the National Cancer Institute. In fact, colorectal cancer rates among children and young persons have skyrocketed since 1999, including a 500% jump among children aged 10 to 14 from 1999 to 2020, as reported by Digestive Diseases Week. For men under 50, it has become the number one cause of cancer death, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

As a medical doctor, I have followed this trend closely. The shift has left both the medical community and the general public searching for answers. While researchers are still working to determine exactly why this is happening, one thing is clear—early detection through screening is the most effective way to prevent deaths from this disease.

The Importance of Early Detection

One of the greatest challenges in addressing this trend is that colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many young people diagnosed with CRC only realize something is wrong when they begin experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, persistent pain, weight loss, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits.

By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may already be in an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult. If CRC is detected early—before symptoms arise—the five-year survival rate is over 90%. However, if it is diagnosed at a late stage, when the cancer has spread to other organs, the survival rate drops to just 14%, according to the Colon Cancer Coalition.

CRC_Blog_web_2_500x302.png
Who Should Get Screened—and When?
Historically, CRC screening was recommended starting at age 50. However, due to the rising number of cases among younger adults, in 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age to 45.
For individuals at average risk, screening options include:
  • Colonoscopy: The gold standard for early detection.
  • Stool-based tests: These tests check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in the stool.
  • CT colonography: A non-invasive imaging test that provides a detailed view of the colon.
For those with a family history of CRC, a genetic predisposition, or inflammatory bowel disease, it may make sense to start screenings even earlier—sometimes as early as age 20 or 30, depending on individual risk factors.

How Self-Funded Benefits Can Make a Difference

Self-funded benefits provide employers with the flexibility to tailor health coverage to meet the specific needs of their workforce, including offering earlier screenings for employees at high risk for CRC. By carving out specialized coverage for employees with family histories, genetic predispositions, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, employers can help at-risk individuals receive screenings well before the standard starting age of 45. This proactive approach allows for early detection, improving treatment outcomes and reducing long-term health costs.

In addition to early screenings, self-funded plans can cover convenient options like at-home stool test kits or more frequent colonoscopies for high-risk employees. By removing barriers such as cost or access, these benefits encourage employees to seek necessary preventive care, ultimately reducing the financial burden of treating advanced cancer. This tailored approach not only supports employee health but also contributes to a more productive workforce while helping to reduce the overall cost of healthcare for both employers and employees.

Take Action Today

The rising incidence of CRC in younger adults is a public health crisis that cannot be ignored. The best way to combat this disease is through increased awareness, early detection, and proactive screening. Deaths from CRC are largely preventable—but only if we take action. To find out more about how employers can aid their members through better employee benefits, and what benefits administrators can do to help, connect with us through the contact form below.