Insights from Dr. Bryan Kleinman’s recent interview on colorectal cancer in younger adults

Listen to the full interview on Radio Catskill’s website

Rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults: Dr. Bryan Kleinman shares what patients should know.

In a recent interview with Radio Catskill, Dr. Bryan Kleinman, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Crystal Run Healthcare, spoke about a concerning trend he and other specialists across the country are seeing: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting adults under age 50.

While colorectal cancer was once considered a disease that primarily impacted older adults, recent data shows a steady and notable rise in cases among younger individuals. Dr. Kleinman joined Radio Catskill to discuss why this is happening, the importance of early detection, and what patients can do to protect their health.

A concerning shift in who’s being diagnosed

“Colorectal cancer is becoming an increasingly common cancer in patients under 50, which is a new trend we’ve seen over the last 10 to 15 years,” Dr. Kleinman explained. 

The rise has been significant enough that national screening guidelines were updated, lowering the recommended age for a routine colonoscopy from 50 to 45. Even with that shift, Dr. Kleinman noted that he continues to see patients in their early 40s — and in some cases even younger — diagnosed with advanced polyps or colorectal cancer. 

Researchers are working to understand what is driving this trend. Potential contributors include:

• diets low in fiber
• higher consumption of processed and ultra processed foods
• obesity
• alcohol and tobacco use
• possible changes in the gut microbiome 

Why colonoscopy remains the gold standard 

Colonoscopy continues to be the most reliable method for detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous. 

During the procedure, a thin, flexible camera allows a provider to examine the entire colon. If polyps are found, they can be removed right away — often preventing cancer from developing. The procedure is done under sedation, and most patients recover quickly and return to normal activity the next day.

“Patients that undergo a colonoscopy do not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure,” Dr. Kleinman said. “It’s a very short acting sedative, so the recovery time is minimal.”

Addressing the most common concern: the prep 

For many people, hesitation around colonoscopy comes down to the preparation. Dr. Kleinman explained that while patients often feel anxious about it beforehand, they typically report afterward that it wasn’t nearly as difficult as expected.

“It’s a day or a day and a half out of your life,” he said. “But by doing it, we can potentially prevent something far more serious.”

Screening earlier when there’s a family history 

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to begin screening before age 45. The general recommendation is:

• start at age 40, or
• 10 years before the age at which a close relative was diagnosed 

Certain inherited conditions may require even earlier or more frequent monitoring. Dr. Kleinman encourages patients to speak with their primary care provider or a gastroenterologist if they have concerns.

Steps patients can take to lower risk 

Beyond screening, several lifestyle choices can help support better digestive health and potentially reduce risk. Dr. Kleinman recommends:

• eating a high fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• limiting processed meats
• regular physical activity
• moderating alcohol consumption
• avoiding tobacco 

Looking ahead, he is hopeful that advancements in research may allow for even earlier detection. “Everybody would love to see a blood test to detect any type of cancer,” he said. “Those things are potentially on the horizon.”

Supporting our communities through prevention and early detection 

Crystal Run Healthcare is committed to helping patients stay informed, take preventive steps and access high-quality colorectal cancer screening close to home. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our Gastroenterology page.