‘We can change the trajectory’: Physicians must be vigilant about early-onset CRC (Healio)

With early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) projected to become the leading cause of cancer death among those aged 20–49 by 2030, physicians must raise CRC on their diagnostic radar—especially for symptomatic younger patients. Experts like Dr. Cassandra Fritz and Dr. Neil Parikh urge earlier risk stratification using family history, AI-driven models, and underused tools like stool-based testing. They emphasize the importance of lifestyle education, patient awareness, and system-level change to shift from late detection to proactive prevention. “If we control that, we can change the trajectory,” says Parikh.