A rise in rectal cancer rates is driving an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people younger than 65, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Nearly half of all new diagnoses occurring in this age group, up from 27% in 1995, is now accounting for nearly one-third of all colorectional diagnoses. The report also revealed that between 2018 and 2022, rectal disease diagnoses rose by 1% each year in all age groups. Researchers are unsure why this type of cancer is increasing in prevalence. The shift towards younger adults with colorecedal cancer is prompting doctors to urge earlier education about the disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the age for screening to 45 in 2021.