Colorectal cancer risk is rising: what employers can do
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer will be responsible for the deaths of 55,230 Americans in 2026. Though colorectal cancer typically affects older adults, rates are on the rise for young adults. In fact, one in five new colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in individuals under the age of 55.
Chronic conditions are linked to an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer — especially among millennials. With millennials making up the largest portion of the workforce, it’s more than likely your employees will be affected — especially since most Americans aren’t receiving the recommended screenings.
It’s not all bad news, however: here’s how you can help reduce your employees’ risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, forms in the large intestine or rectum — starting as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. Because most polyps are small and rarely produce noticeable symptoms, most people never know they’ve developed them unless they are found during a screening test. Though the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce doesn’t recommend this type of routine screening until age 45. It has been found that half of all people diagnosed before age 50 are aged 45–49, and are eligible for screening. However, screening prevalence for those ages 45–49 is just 37 percent. Delaying a screening could mean the difference between life or death.
Polyps don’t always cause symptoms after becoming cancerous, which is why many people with colorectal cancer don’t know they have it in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do develop, they may include:
- Persistent change in bowel habits (i.e., stool consistency, diarrhea, or constipation)
- Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
- Frequent and persistent cramps, gas, or other abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
There are several risk factors for developing colorectal cancer. Some risk factors, like smoking, alcohol use, obesity, diet and lifestyle, can be controlled. Others, like family history and age, cannot. If colorectal cancer does develop, there are several treatments to help control it, including surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Colorectal cancer and preventive care
About 20 percent of Americans don’t have a designated primary care provider (PCP), and that number is higher for those ages 18–29, with nearly half going without a PCP. Without a PCP, it’s easier to miss regular checkups and screenings that help find issues like colorectal cancer early.
Give employees a simple PCP checklist
Make it easier for employees to choose a trusted primary care provider. This ready-to-share checklist helps employees understand qualities to look for in a PCP and how to find in-network providers. Download the checklist from the Marketing Toolkit and share it with your employees.
How chronic conditions impact colon cancer
Figures from the American Cancer Society shows that patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 1.7 times increased risk for colorectal cancer, and men and women with Type 2 diabetes are at a 1.4 and 1.2 times greater risk of getting colorectal cancer, respectively.
Despite this, 40 percent of Americans over 50 have never been screened or are behind schedule on their recommended screenings.
How employers can help
Whether you work for a small business that employs only a few people or a large corporation that employs thousands, there are several ways to help your employees when it comes to understanding and acting on their colorectal cancer risk.
1.
Stress the importance of prevention.
Communicate with your employees the importance of getting screened — even if they feel fine. Even if your employees don’t have any risk factors, they may have family members or friends who do. There are several tests, in addition to the standard colonoscopy, that can be used to detect polyps or colorectal cancer. To encourage screenings, you could create an incentive program for eligible employees.
2.
Encourage open communication with a PCP.
Only about 32 percent of millennials and Gen Z men reported getting a yearly physical exam, compared with 61 percent of Gen X and Boomer+ men, according to a national survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic. Finding a PCP can help your employees build a strong, provider-patient relationship that will benefit them in the long run — especially if they feel uncomfortable bringing up topics they might find awkward. Plus, PCPs can work with your employees to identify the appropriate timing and frequency of screening to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Questions? Contact your authorized Wellmark account representative, or email us at blueatwork@wellmark.com.
Article resources
Veenstra, C. M., Abrahamse, P., Wagner, T. H., Hawley, S. T., Banerjee, M., & Morris, A. M. (2018). Employment benefits and job retention: Evidence among patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer Medicine, 7(3), 736–745. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1371
Cancer Support Community. (n.d.). Employment and cancer. Cancer Support Community. Retrieved March 4, 2026, from https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/employment-cancer
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association & Blue Health Intelligence. (2020). Rise in chronic conditions is putting more Americans at risk for colorectal cancer (Health of America Report). Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.