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Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Featured in NJ Top Docs: Addressing the Rise in Colon Cancer Among Young Adults

We’re proud to announce that Hunterdon Hematology Oncology has contributed a featured article in the 2025 NJ Top Docs issue of Healthy Living Magazine, shedding light on a critical health concern: the rise of colorectal cancer in young adults. This in-depth editorial explores why cases are increasing among individuals born after 1990 and what can be done to address this alarming trend.

Why You Should Read It:

Understand the Causes: Gain insights into the lifestyle and environmental factors driving this rise.
Learn the Symptoms: Be aware of warning signs like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
Stay Proactive: Discover why early screening and awareness are vital for prevention and better outcomes.

This article is a must-read for anyone concerned about their health or that of a loved one. Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable when detected early, making awareness and education crucial tools in the fight against this disease.

Read the full article in Healthy Living Magazine’s NJ Top Docs issue, and take the first step toward informed, proactive healthcare. Together, we can tackle this growing challenge and ensure a healthier future for all.

Stay informed, stay proactive! Learn more about colorectal cancer prevention and screening options.

Read the full editorial feature in the 2025 NJ Top Docs issue of Healthy Living Magazine or here in this post on our website.

About NJ Top Docs

NJ Top Docs is a comprehensive, trusted and exclusive healthcare resource featuring reviewed and approved Top Doctors and Dentists in New Jersey online in an easy to use format. NJ Top Docs only reviews and approves providers based on merit after they have been extensively vetted. NJ Top Docs is a division of USA Top Docs which allows patients to meet providers online before making their appointment.

Colon Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults: What You Need to Know

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the world of cancer care: an increasing number of young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Traditionally viewed as a disease affecting older adults, recent data shows that individuals born after 1990 are at a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to previous generations. This unsettling trend calls for greater awareness and proactive steps to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

Rising Incidence: Young adults are experiencing a sharp increase in colorectal cancer cases. Studies reveal that individuals born in 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectal cancer than those born in 1950.
Possible Causes: Factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and disruptions in gut health may contribute to this increase. Additionally, a lack of routine screening among younger individuals has delayed early detection in many cases.
Importance of Early Screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for individuals at average risk. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes.

What Can You Do?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay informed about your family history, and be aware of symptoms like rectal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain. If you’re eligible, schedule a screening to detect potential issues early.

By raising awareness and making informed lifestyle choices, we can combat this troubling trend and protect the health of younger generations.

Read the full editorial feature in the 2025 NJ Top Docs issue of Healthy Living Magazine or here in this post on our website.

In recent years, a startling trend has emerged within the realm of oncology: a growing number of younger individuals are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Specifically, those born after 1990 are seeing an unprecedented rise in cases, which has become a cause for concern within the medical community. Once considered a disease primarily affecting older adults, colorectal cancer is now shifting demographics, and the reasons behind this shift are as complex as they are alarming.

An Unsettling Rise in Numbers

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates have been declining overall in the United States, primarily due to increased awareness, improved screening methods, and advancements in treatment. However, this decline is not universal. The incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily rising. In fact, for those born around 1990, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is twice as high as those born in 1950, and their risk of rectal cancer is quadruple.

This shift is especially concerning given that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While older adults continue to be the most affected group, the sharp rise in diagnoses among younger adults suggests that new factors are at play.

Understanding the Causes

While there is no single definitive explanation for this uptick in cases, researchers have identified several possible contributing factors that may be fueling this trend:

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Western diets, characterized by high consumption of processed meats, red meat, and refined grains, have long been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Over the past several decades, dietary habits have shifted, particularly with the increased availability of highly processed, low-fiber foods. Studies have shown that diets high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, while a lack of these foods may contribute to a higher risk.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyles: The rates of obesity have dramatically increased in younger populations, and obesity is a well-established risk factor for colorectal cancer. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is thought to cause inflammation and hormonal changes that can promote cancer growth. Coupled with sedentary lifestyles, the lack of regular physical activity may further contribute to the rising incidence in younger adults.
Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: The gut microbiome— the trillions of bacteria and microorganisms living in the digestive tract—plays a critical role in overall health, including cancer prevention. Disruptions in the microbiome, often due to poor diet, antibiotic use, or other environmental factors, may lead to increased inflammation, which is a known precursor to cancer development. Research is still ongoing, but this connection could help explain why younger adults are increasingly affected by colorectal cancer.
Delayed Screening and Lack of Awareness: Traditionally, routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45 for those at average risk. However, because colon cancer has been viewed as a disease of older adults, many younger individuals and healthcare providers may not suspect or prioritize screening in this age group. As a result, symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits may be overlooked or attributed to other causes, leading to later-stage diagnoses.

Changing the Narrative Around Screening

Recognizing the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer in younger individuals, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their guidelines to lower the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 for individuals at average risk. This change is significant and aimed at identifying cases earlier when the cancer is more treatable. However, despite this shift, awareness remains a critical issue.

For younger people, especially those with no family history of colorectal cancer, the idea of screening may still seem distant or unnecessary. However, the rising incidence underscores the need for greater vigilance in recognizing symptoms and being proactive about screening, particularly for those who may be at higher risk.

What Can Be Done?

While more research is needed to fully understand why colorectal cancer is increasing in younger populations, there are clear steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk:

Maintain a healthy diet: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and red meat can also help lower cancer risk.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, as regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Know your family history: If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you may need to start screening earlier than the general population. Speak with your healthcare provider about personalized screening recommendations.
Pay attention to symptoms: Rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits should never be ignored, regardless of age. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

The Road Ahead

As the medical community continues to grapple with the growing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults, it’s crucial that both healthcare providers and patients remain aware of the changing dynamics of this disease. Early detection through timely screening, coupled with lifestyle modifications, offers the best hope for reducing the impact of this concerning trend.

By raising awareness and addressing risk factors head-on, we can work toward a future where colorectal cancer no longer claims the lives of so many young individuals. It’s a challenge that demands attention, but with the right strategies in place, it’s one we can meet head-on.

Editorial feature from the 2025 NJ Top Docs Issue of Healthy Living Magazine

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, responsible for 104,610 new cases this year. It can be treatable if you know what to look for and detect it early. And even though it’s not fully preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology, we aim to keep you as healthy as possible while treating many types of cancer along the way. Our skilled team of oncologists and hematologists specialize in the most up-and-coming cancer treatments, to help you get your life back on track.

Risk factors for colon cancer

Cancer is a terrible disease that can attack at any age. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to decrease your risk, you can’t change things like your family history, genetics, and age. Risk factors you can change include:

Obesity
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Drinking alcohol

The above risks could eventually lead to gene mutations, setting you up for a tumor in your intestine. Many times, tumors start from a polyp in the lining of your colon. At some point, the cells in the polyp start to divide uncontrollably, becoming cancer cells.

These polyps can be found during routine colonoscopy screenings, and removed before they turn into colon cancer. That’s why the CDC recommends regular screenings for men and women from age 50 to age 75.

Symptoms to look out for

In the early stages of colon cancer, you might not have any symptoms. This definitely makes it hard for anyone to figure out that something’s wrong. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms become more apparent. Symptoms in the earlier stages of colon cancer include:

Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating
Bloody stools

You may also notice a change in your bowel movements, including narrow stools or different colored stools than normal. As the disease progresses, your symptoms become more apparent. Late stage symptoms include:

Vomiting
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss

Changes in your stool at this stage last longer than a few weeks, and you might also feel as though your bowels don’t empty the whole way. Getting help as soon as you notice problems helps to increase the likelihood that treatment is successful.

5 tips to reduce your risk

Cancer definitely isn’t something that can be entirely prevented. However, you can make lifestyle changes that greatly decrease your chances of getting certain cancers, including colon cancer. The following are five steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking negatively impacts your health because of the toxins within the smoke. It can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to ward off cancer cells. If you smoke, you’re more likely to develop colon cancer than someone who doesn’t. Quitting decreases your risk. If you need help quitting, reach out to our team, and we can help.

2. Get regular exercise

Along with its other added benefits of staying lean and fit, just 30 minutes a day of exercise can decrease your chances of developing colon cancer.

3. Eat healthy

According to the American Cancer Society, eating healthy foods like whole grains and vegetables reduces your risk of colon cancer. You should limit red meat intake, like beef and lamb, along with processed meats. A healthy diet paired with exercise is an easy step to take to ward off colon cancer.

4. Limit alcohol

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol is a carcinogen. Their studies show that overconsumption of alcoholic beverages increases your risk of developing colon cancer. On average, if you’re a man you should have no more than two drinks per day; a woman should only have one drink per day.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing colon cancer by 30%. This is due to the increased fat content in your body. A sedentary lifestyle leads to excess pounds, so getting active and modifying your diet will help cut your risk significantly.

One of the most important steps you can take to limit your risk for this disease is to get screened regularly. Our doctors will discuss with you how often you need to be screened, depending on if you’re at an average risk or a higher risk. Screening is the first line of defense, as it allows our team to find early signs of cancer and eliminate the problem.

If you’re interested in learning more about reducing your risk for colon cancer, call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-264-1798 to schedule a consultation. You can also reach out to us by using our online booking tool.

At the age of 22, Ashley McRoy was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and given a 20 percent chance of survival. Doctors at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center made sure she made it to her wedding day — and beyond.

It was a joyous, teary-eyed day at Kleinfeld, the famous New York City bridal boutique and setting for TLC’s hit show, “Say Yes to the Dress.”

Bride-to-be Ashley McRoy, 28, radiated grace in her sleek white gown. Even her father, Jerry, the group’s harshest critic, glowed. Trying on wedding dresses is a dream come true for most women; but for Ashley and a team of Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center doctors and nurses, this made-for-TV moment represented so much more.

That’s because Ashley has now been cancer-free for 18 months, and she credits Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center with her recovery from a rare and deadly form of cancer.

Seven years ago, Ashley was attending Raritan Valley Community College. She was also just starting her modeling career when she felt a hard knot by her belly button. Two weeks later, the knot had grown bigger. Ashley’s mother, Louise, called the family doctor, which led to a CT scan and the shocking news: Ashley had stage 4 signet cell adenocarcinoma in her colon.

“The cancer was incredibly rare and high risk,” says Myron Bednar, M.D., Medical Oncologist and Director of Clinical Trials at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Ashley was given a 20 percent survival rate.

“Her type of colon cancer wasn’t typical,” explains Dr. Bednar. “This one featured more aggressive cells.”

Hunterdon Healthcare staff began treatment right away. Cancerous tumors were removed from Ashley’s colon and abdominal cavity. After the surgery, she utilized Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center’s considerable resources.

“She benefited from our social services to help her cope, though she did a great job on her own,” Dr. Bednar says. “She worked with a dietitian for nutritional help while going through biological therapy, and she got state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiation treatments.”

It was a long journey: The cancer recurred in October of 2012, and had spread to part of her kidneys. She needed a second surgery, and then returned to Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center for follow-up care.

After a final round of chemotherapy and radiation, Ashley at last received the news she longed to hear: the cancer was gone. Today, with cancer behind her, the Wilhelmina-represented model and graphic designer is continuing to model, and wants to share her story with others.

Most importantly, she wants to savor life, starting with her April 5 marriage to boyfriend James Disney, who was constantly by her side throughout treatment. In fact, Ashley was featured on “Say Yes to the Dress” in part because of her incredible cancer recovery.

“I’ve been so incredibly blessed,” she says. “I want to move forward, to look at life more positively. I’m learning to see the glass as half-full.

“Everyone at the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center treated me amazingly,” she adds. “They are my family.” In fact, Dr. Bednar, along with gastroenterologist Samuel Bae, M.D., and surgeon John Bello, M.D., were invited to Ashley’s wedding.

“James and I have been through a lot,” Ashley jokes. “We can survive being married!”

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR RISK FOR CANCER? Learn more about the Family Risk Assessment Program (FRAP) at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center by calling 908.237.2330.

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Featured in NJ Top Docs: The Rising Threat of Colon Cancer in Young Adults