Bold claim: bowel cancer is rising among younger people, and that trend demands urgent attention from everyone, not just those with a family history. And this is the part most people miss: early detection and lifestyle choices can dramatically change outcomes. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly rewrite that keeps all the key information, adds context, and stays helpful and engaging.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has been grabbing headlines worldwide after the death of actor James Van Der Beek at 45 years old. It occurs when cells in any part of the large intestine grow uncontrollably.
In 2025, bowel cancer was estimated to be the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. About one in 21 men and one in 25 women are projected to be diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age of 85.
Australian research from 2019 indicates that rates of bowel cancer are rising among younger people in the country.
So, for younger readers: should you be worried about bowel cancer, and what can you do to reduce your risk?
Who is most at risk?
Australia has some of the highest overall bowel cancer rates in the world and it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the country.
Roughly half of all bowel cancer cases are linked to factors you can influence through your daily choices. These include drinking alcohol, smoking, not getting enough physical activity, eating a lot of red and processed meat, and having a low-fiber diet.
The rest of the cases are influenced by factors you can’t control, such as genetics, inflammatory bowel disease, and age (older people have higher risk).
Current data suggest the average Australian has about a one-in-23 chance of being diagnosed with bowel cancer by age 85.
The 2019 study looked specifically at people aged 50 and under. Between 1982 and 2014, rates of both bowel and rectal cancers in this younger group rose by roughly 1%–9% each year, which is concerning.
What’s driving this rise is not fully clear. Early evidence points to lifestyle changes over time—poorer diet, higher alcohol consumption, and less physical activity may contribute. However, we also tend to diagnose younger people later, often because symptoms are overlooked or attributed to less serious conditions.
By contrast, bowel cancer rates among Australians over 50 have decreased since the 1990s, likely thanks to screening programs and better treatments. Still, bowel cancer remains more common in older adults: in 2021 there were 1,884 cases in people under 50 and 13,020 cases in people over 50.
Can you reduce your risk?
Yes. Here are three practical steps.
1) Do a screening test
Bowel cancer is one of the cancers we can screen for effectively. Screening can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer, and it can also detect cancers at a very early stage, when treatment is easier and survival rates can reach about 90%.
Australia runs the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which offers a free at-home stool test every two years. The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in the stool, which can signal a polyp or cancer.
Originally, the program targeted people aged 50–74, but participation was low: only about 41.7% of eligible Australians completed the test from 2022 to 2023.
To address rising rates in younger people, guidelines were updated to start screening earlier, at age 45. Since July 2024, people aged 45–49 can request a stool kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. In the program’s first six months after expansion, 77,000 eligible Australians aged 45–49 requested a kit.
Younger adults need to opt in to screening by requesting a kit via the National Cancer Screening Register. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, a screening colonoscopy might be more appropriate, so talk with your GP about the best plan for you.
2) Watch for symptoms
Many cases have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- Blood visible in stool
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia (low red blood cell count or hemoglobin)
If you notice any of these signs, consult a GP promptly. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of bowel cancer, especially a close relative diagnosed before age 60, as this increases your own risk.
3) Embrace a healthier lifestyle
Simple lifestyle changes can lower your risk:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, while limiting processed meats
- Stay physically active, aiming for at least 30 minutes most days
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
Bottom line: regardless of age, taking small, consistent steps—regular screening, being aware of symptoms, and leading a healthier lifestyle—can meaningfully reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer.
Would you consider starting screening earlier based on these trends, or do you have further questions about how to interpret your personal risk?
