Medical Xpress January 7, 2026
Dr. Bethany Malone has treated a lot of colorectal cancer patients. The youngest, not counting those with genetic conditions, was 19 years old.
Colorectal cancer used to be considered a cancer of older age. Not anymore.
Patients in their teens and early 20s still aren’t the norm, exactly, but are becoming more common.
“I have not gone a year in practice without taking a colon cancer out of someone in their 20s,” Malone said.
Malone is a colon and rectal surgeon and the associate program director for the general surgery residency at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Her experience in North Texas reflects a worldwide trend.
Colorectal cancer—which includes cancer of the colon and of the rectum—is considered...
Today's Sponsors
Today's Sponsor