By City of Hope Staff - Sponsored Content
March 28, 2026

Diagnosed at 37

A young patient’s journey reflects a troubling trend

Jose Santos was just 37 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2022 — placing him among the growing number of younger adults facing the disease. The Chicago resident’s cancer journey began when he developed ulcerative colitis (UC) a decade and a half earlier. Not only can UC symptoms completely disrupt normal daily life, but people with the autoimmune disease also carry a sixfold higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Jose’s care team at City of Hope® Cancer Center in Lake County developed a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. Following chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to remove his colon, he has no evidence of colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis. Today, he’s back to living fully — traveling to national parks, playing tennis, and even riding on the City of Hope float in the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade alongside his medical oncologist, Laura Farrington, MD.

Jose’s long history with UC meant his diagnosis wasn’t entirely unexpected, but many young adults have no warning signs. While colorectal cancer rates continue to decline among individuals 65 and older, 2026 statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS) show the disease is emerging more frequently — and more aggressively — in people under 50 and has now become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this age group. The generational shift is striking: Those born in 1990 face double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared with those born in 1950. Three-fourths of patients under 50 are not diagnosed until more advanced stages, partly because they are not routinely screened and because it often takes longer for younger people to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Your body, know your risks

According to the ACS, an estimated 158,850 colorectal cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, including approximately 6,160 in Illinois.

Although colorectal cancer is largely preventable or far more treatable when caught early, too few people are getting screened at the recommended age. The ACS advises average-risk adults to begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, but even though about half of early-onset diagnoses occur in individuals ages 45 to 49, only about 20 percent of individuals in that age range are up to date on screening. Because the remainder of early-onset cases occur in people younger than 45, younger adults need to understand their bodies, recognize symptoms, and be aware of their personal risk factors.

For those at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, screening may be recommended earlier and possibly more often. You may be considered high risk if you:

·      Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
·      Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
·      Have an inherited genetic condition like Lynch syndrome
·      Have previously received radiation therapy to your abdomen or pelvis

Screenings help detect cancer in people who aren’t showing symptoms, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing:

·      Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool
·      A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
·      Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
·      Abdominal bloating, cramps, or discomfort
·      Weakness and fatigue
·      Nausea or vomiting
·      Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

Colorectal cancer screening at City of Hope Cancer Center

Taking control of your health and getting screened shouldn’t be difficult, which is why City of Hope Cancer Center offers colorectal cancer screening appointments in as little as one week, with results in 24 to 48 hours, on average. If cancer is found, we offer a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts and state-of-the-art technologies and treatments, all under one roof.

To learn more about GI screenings at City of Hope Cancer Center, visit cityofhope.org/chicago-gi-screening. For screening appointments, call (844) 693-4448. To learn more about City of Hope’s Illinois locations, visit cityofhope.org/chicago.