The Colorectal Foundation — Earlier Detection. Better Decisions. Stronger Outcomes.
Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Cancer can arrive early. Support should, too.

The Colorectal Foundation helps younger adults recognize colorectal cancer sooner, navigate diagnosis with clarity, and keep living fully through treatment.

Explore Our Mission Know the Signs
Built from lived experience · Guided by evidence · Focused on action
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Why Now

Colorectal cancer is shifting younger.

Nearly half of new colorectal cancer diagnoses are now in adults younger than 65. Among adults diagnosed before 50, three in four cancers are found at a regional or distant stage. These numbers demand earlier conversations, faster follow-through, and support designed for the realities of younger patients.

45%
Of new diagnoses are in adults younger than 65

Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease of older age alone. Younger adults are a growing share of new cases every year.

3 in 4
Cancers diagnosed before 50 are already advanced

Three in four cases found before age 50 have already reached a regional or distant stage — after the window when treatment is most effective.

45
The age screening should begin for average risk

The American Cancer Society recommends adults at average risk begin regular screening at age 45. Symptoms at any age deserve follow-up.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures; American Cancer Society colorectal cancer screening guideline. Figures are approximate and updated as new data is published.

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Our Mission

Earlier detection.
Better decisions.
Stronger outcomes.

Our mission is to help younger adults recognize colorectal cancer earlier, navigate diagnosis with clarity, and stay supported at work and in life throughout treatment.

Cancer care extends beyond medicine. It includes understandable information, timely referrals, practical support, and the freedom to keep building a meaningful life.

What We Do

Three places where earlier support changes everything.

See Our Work →
01 · Recognize Sooner

Recognize
Sooner

Evidence-based education about screening, family history, risk, and symptoms that should not be ignored.

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02 · Guidance at Onset

Navigate the
First Steps

Practical guidance to help patients and caregivers organize questions, records, referrals, and the first weeks after diagnosis.

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03 · Workplace Advocacy

Keep Life
in the Picture

Resources and advocacy for people balancing careers, caregiving, relationships, and treatment.

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What We Are Building

The next chapter, in progress.

These are the initiatives we are working to fund and launch. We would rather tell you plainly what is coming than claim work we have not yet done.

01

Young-onset awareness series

Shareable, source-backed education that makes colorectal cancer risk and screening easier to discuss.

02

First 30 Days guide

A non-clinical roadmap for newly diagnosed patients and the people caring for them.

03

Work & Cancer toolkit

Practical guidance for employees, managers, and HR teams navigating treatment and employment.

04

Partner network

Referral and collaboration pathways with established colorectal cancer, navigation, and workplace organizations.

Build This With Us
Ron and Trevor
Our Story

Lived experience became a public mission.

Ron was 37 when he was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer, three months into a new relationship. What followed was not a pause on life but a decision to keep living it — through surgeries, chemotherapy, work, travel, and an engagement.

Along the way, Ron and Trevor learned how quickly a diagnosis reaches into every part of a life, and how much difference clearer, earlier support can make. They created The Colorectal Foundation so the next person finds that support sooner.

Read Ron & Trevor's Story
An Invitation

Help support arrive earlier.

Donate, partner, share the evidence, or introduce us to people advancing colorectal cancer awareness, patient navigation, and workplace support.

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