Gastrointestinal cancers on the rise

A detailed report from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, released in July 2025, found that gastrointestinal cancers are rising quickly among people under 50. These include cancers like colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, appendiceal, bile duct, and neuroendocrine tumors. Between 2010 and 2019, early-onset cases grew by nearly 15%, with the sharpest increases seen in the youngest age groups. For instance, people born in 1990 face twice the risk of developing colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. Dr. Hima Ghanta, Board-certified colorectal surgeon at Holy Name Medical Center weighs in.