Burlington, Vt. – Colorectal cancer starts quietly, often as a small polyp that can be removed long before it turns dangerous. It remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. and a leading cause among cancer‑related deaths — but, critically, it is also one of the most preventable when caught early.

Screening is the reason why: Early detection dramatically improves survival, and decades of progress show that consistent screening has driven down colorectal cancer deaths among older adults.

Cancer Survivor Says Screening Saved His Life

Seventy-seven-year-old Brian Cross of Jericho, Vt., began routine screenings at age 50 after doctors discovered and removed an early cancerous growth. For years afterward, his colonoscopies came back clear. But at his most recent visit, something changed. A subtle abnormality caught the experienced eye of his physician, Jesse Moore, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon at University of Vermont Cancer Center. The finding was small and easy to overlook — and it turned out to be cancer.

Early Detection Made All the Difference

“If I’d put this off for six months or a year, I probably wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Cross said.

Brian credits the vigilance of his care team — and his own discipline in keeping up with screenings — for giving him the best chance at successful treatment and more years of doing what he loves: snowmobiling, four‑wheeling, hunting, and golfing with his family.

The Rise of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer

While screening has driven down colorectal cancer rates in older adults, clinicians are sounding the alarm about a different trend: a rise in cases of about 3% each year among those ages 20 to 49, with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages. If the trend continues, colorectal cancer is on track to become the deadliest cancer for people ages 20 to 49 by 2030.

“When I started working in surgery 15 years ago, I would have been surprised to see a patient in their 30s and 40s with colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Moore. “Today, it’s way more common.” Delays in diagnosis are also more frequent in younger adults, often leading to detection only after the disease has progressed.

So, what should people watch for? “Changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, especially bright red blood, are red flags,” Dr. Moore said. “These symptoms mirror what we see in older patients, but because colorectal cancer isn’t on younger people’s radar, they often assume it’s hemorrhoids or another less-concerning issue, when they should really talk to their doctor.”

If symptoms arise, a provider will typically recommend screening. While a colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive option, less‑invasive tests — such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and other stool‑based screenings — can offer convenient alternatives. Any positive result, however, still requires follow‑up with a colonoscopy.

Brian Cross knows firsthand the importance of screening. After decades of staying on top of routine checks, he’s clear on his message to others: “I know screening can be a pain in the butt,” he said, “but I’m here to tell folks of any age: it can save your life.”

University of Vermont Cancer Center 
89 Beaumont Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405 

University of Vermont Health
40 IDX Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403

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About University of Vermont Cancer Center

University of Vermont Cancer Center is Vermont’s only not-for-profit comprehensive clinical and research cancer center with treatment locations in Burlington, Berlin, Middlebury, Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh and Malone. Founded in 1974 and located within the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, the Cancer Center draws on the expertise of more than 250 research and clinical members. The Cancer Center works in clinical partnership with University of Vermont Health, a rural academic health system serving Vermont and northern New York. Together, we work to reduce the burden of cancer across Vermont, northeastern New York and northern New England through research, outstanding clinical care, community outreach, and education. For more information, visit www.vermontcancer.org.

About University of Vermont Health

University of Vermont Health is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.