Colorectal cancer often begins as harmless polyps in the colon or rectum, but some can turn cancerous, according to the American Cancer Society. Once mostly seen in older adults, the disease is now rising among younger people.

In 2023, around 153,020 Americans were diagnosed, and more than 52,000 died from it, making it “the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.”

Experts link this shift to lifestyle changes over the past several decades. A key silent threat is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is usually symptomless but tied to diabetes and kidney disease.

A South Korean study revealed that people under 50 with NAFLD are “24% more likely to develop colon cancer.” Researchers believe chronic inflammation from NAFLD may damage the colon.

This highlights the growing need for earlier screenings and prevention strategies in younger, at-risk individuals.