When David Hungerford, a financial planner from St. James, New York, scheduled his first colonoscopy at age 45, he expected a routine screening. Instead, the procedure revealed a mass in his colon that turned out to be stage 3 colon cancer.
Hungerford’s diagnosis reflects a growing trend noted by the American Cancer Society in its 2026 report: colorectal cancer rates are increasing among younger adults even as they decline for older populations. Nearly half of new cases now occur in people under age 65, compared to much lower rates just ten years ago. The data also shows that since 1950, each successive generation faces a higher risk of developing this disease.
“We’re seeing levels that we’ve never seen before in younger people,” said Dr. David Rivadeneira, director of the Northwell Cancer Institute at Huntington. He cited factors such as obesity, diets high in ultra-processed foods, and tobacco use—including vaping—as possible contributors to the rise among younger patients. Many are unaware they could be at risk and may delay seeking care or evaluation when symptoms arise.
Colon cancer often presents few early warning signs, particularly for younger adults who do not expect it. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days, rectal bleeding with bright red blood, blood in stool, abdominal pain or cramps, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss and low iron levels (anemia). Dr. Rivadeneira emphasized the importance of investigating anemia: “The number one cause for anemia is losing blood through the gastrointestinal tract,” he said. “Patients with low iron might need a colonoscopy to make sure there isn’t a polyp or tumor causing the anemia.”
Current guidelines recommend that average-risk individuals begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. People with family history of colorectal cancer or conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease may need to start earlier.
Hungerford had no family history or typical symptoms aside from mild anemia previously deemed insignificant by his doctor. After his diagnosis was confirmed and further scans showed the cancer had not spread beyond his colon, Hungerford began treatment at Huntington Hospital under Dr. Rivadeneira’s care.
“The advancements we’re making in minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as genetic testing and analysis all lead to better outcomes for our colon cancer patients,” Dr. Rivadeneira said. “I told David that he would have state-of-the-art treatment. It’s one of the things we pride ourselves on.”
A planned colectomy became an emergency procedure after Hungerford developed an intestinal blockage caused by his tumor—a complication that can lead to severe infection if untreated.
Dr. Rivadeneira performed laparoscopic surgery to remove the affected section of intestine but was unable to immediately reconnect healthy sections due to inflammation; instead Hungerford received a temporary colostomy bag until healing allowed reconnection several months later.
Following six months of chemotherapy marked by significant side effects including neuropathy—numbness and sensitivity in hands and feet—Hungerford underwent another successful surgery last July which restored normal bowel function.
Now back at work and active again with regular follow-up appointments confirming no recurrence of cancer so far, Hungerford credits Huntington Hospital’s team-based approach for supporting him through recovery: “I had a great surgeon, oncologist, gastroenterologist, nutritionist and nurses,” he said.”Every one of the Huntington Hospital staff was fantastic.”
Hungerford has since encouraged others via social media to get screened starting at age 45 per American Cancer Society recommendations—a message many friends were unaware applied so early—and says dozens have acted because of his story.
“I don’t want that 45-year-old person to think it can’t happen to them,” he said.”Scheduling that test saved my life.”
