In this GI Alliance perspective, Dr. Neil D. Parikh warns that early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rapidly rising — with millennials facing double the lifetime risk compared to prior generations. Many patients present late, often with aggressive histologic types like mucinous and signet-ring carcinomas, in part due to misdiagnoses such as IBS or hemorrhoids.
He urges GI physicians to lead in prevention — by educating patients, pushing for policy change, and supporting microbiome-focused research — framing EOCRC as a “largely preventable” crisis that demands immediate action.