Lauren Gribble
A growing number of Queenslanders are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, as it now becomes the fourth most common type of cancer diagnosed and second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.
Even more worryingly is that we are now seeing more people under the age of 50 diagnosed and dying from the disease.
But, just how common is colorectal cancer – better known as bowel cancer – for those under the age of 50?
Colorectal cancer has been in the spotlight with the untimely deaths of American actor James Van Der Beek and more recently Australian TV personality Mel Schilling – and both were under the age of 55 years old.
While she lives a life far from the media spotlight, Lauren Gribble shares the same diagnosis – colorectal cancer.
Lauren was living in tropical north Queensland when her world was turned upside down after being diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer, at just 30 years of age.
“I had been to a GP because I had noticed some blood in my stool, which was pretty inconsistent, so I wasn't too worried at that stage. I figured it was likely haemorrhoids,” Lauren said.
“After a couple weeks, which turned into months, I noticed my symptoms kept persisting and I was still having some on and off again blood in my stool.
“I decided to go back to another GP because I figured I'd likely have to get the haemorrhoids removed and wanted them to get a wriggle on with that so that I could put it to rest. The GP I saw though had other ideas.”
Lauren was referred to get a colonoscopy, and after the procedure and biopsy came back, it was discovered she had bowel cancer.
“When I first found out, I was referred to a local surgeon and also an oncologist. I would undergo five weeks of daily radiation therapy in combination with oral chemotherapy before starting on intravenous chemotherapy for roughly another five months on a three weekly basis,” she said.
Because no one in Lauren’s immediate family had any history of cancer, she said it hadn't fully crossed her mind as much of a possibility.
“I really thought bowel cancer was the type of cancer you only got well into the later years of your life and I hadn’t really considered the many ways in which it can actually impact your life.”
The treatment ultimately worked for Lauren, which she describes as feeling ‘incredibly lucky’.
“I had a great response to treatment which reduced my tumour significantly and eventually, after an additional biopsy during another colonoscopy, it was determined that I didn't have any cancer cells left – only scar tissue – which was a relief I will never be able to properly put into words,” she said.
“I've officially been in remission now for more than two years… which is a significant milestone because the chance of relapsing decreases quite a bit at this point; however, monitoring and follow ups are still ongoing which is also, in some ways a comforting safety blanket.
“I had three monthly check ups for the first two years of remission and now I have transitioned to six monthly, which felt pretty daunting at the start, but it's also been nice not having to schedule MRIs, PET scans and blood tests every 10-12 weeks.”
Lauren (left)
What do the stats say
Australia has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world, and the rate among young people has been increasing steadily.
Between 2019 - 2023, colorectal cancer diagnosis accounted for an average of 3,165 cases in Queensland per year and 1,145 deaths (Cancer Data Explorer).
Over the same time period, the number of colorectal cancer cases for those under 50 has been steadily increasing, from 236 in 2014 to 407 in 2023 – a 72 per cent increase.
As well, the incidence rates in this age group are also increasing from 7.3 to 11.5 per 100,000 population – a 58 per cent increase.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital colorectal surgeon, Professor David Clark said that while the incidence rate in the under 50s is increasing, no causative factors have yet been identifed.
“These young patients are usually diagnosed because they present with symptoms such as blood in the stool or a change in their bowel habit,” Professor Clark said.
“Often the patients don’t have typical risk factors such as a family history of bowel cancer or obesity and they will frequently present with cancers at a more advanced stage as they are not yet eligible for colorectal cancer screening.
“Colorectal cancer in the over 50s is decreasing as a result of the colorectal screening program, but at the same time is increasing in the under 50s.
“While colorectal cancer is considered rare for under 50s, we have seen an extraordinary increase in the proportion of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer from 7 per cent to more than 10 per cent over the past 20 years1.
“I think the paradigm of investigation of young patients with rectal bleeding has shifted and we are trying to raise awareness amongst patients and GPs that cancer should be considered.
“A young patient should not have bleeding put down to haemorrhoids or other minor conditions until cancer has been reasonably excluded.
“Using the Cancer Alliance Queensland population based dataset, we have shown that cancer in the very young (under 30s) has poorer survival. This may be related to delayed diagnosis or a more aggressive type of cancer2.”
Should under 50s also access free bowel cancer screening?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends out free bowel cancer screening test kits to people between the ages of 50 to 74 to help reduce the number of people being impacted by bowel cancer.
And since 1 July 2024, those aged 45 – 49 can also request their first bowel cancer screening kit.
While testing can help identify bowel cancer earlier, before any symptoms, Professor Clark warns these kits are only intended for screening asymptomatic individuals.
“If a patient is experiencing any symptoms, they should certainly see their GP for investigation - this is really important,” he said.
Professor Clark said there are clear ways to help prevent colorectal cancer.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important and address risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity,” he said.
“While family history is important, this cannot be changed. This highlights the importance of frank discussions with family members and all relatives of a patient with bowel cancer should be screened in some way.
“Removing polyps during a colonoscopy at the benign stage is the best way to prevent their progression to cancer.”
What the research says
The ANZ Journal of Surgery report Extremes of Age Versus Middle Decades of Life: A Population-Based Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Survival in Queensland, Australia (2025) shows that colorectal cancer may behave differently depending on the patient's age at diagnosis.
There are contradictory reports of survival in young onset colorectal cancer, but the very young – under 30 years of age – were found to have poorer survival in Queensland.
The report stated that: ‘The findings of the present study contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting earlier initiation of CRC (colorectal cancer) screening compared with historical recommendations.
‘Although earlier or more intensive screening strategies are already in place for individuals at high risk due to significant family history or known hereditary syndromes, previous studies have demonstrated that not all patients with germline mutations report a family history of CRC and therefore do not benefit from these screening programs.’
The report also recommends public health initiatives to educate younger individuals about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, particularly for individuals with a family history or risk factors.
‘Consequently, there is a pressing need for enhanced public health campaigns, community education, and greater awareness of CRC risk factors, as well as the early signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal changes.’
As for Lauren, she warns others – particularly young people – to listen to their bodies and advocate for themselves if something doesn’t feel right.
“Don’t assume you’re too young for something serious. Getting checked early could completely change the outcome of your life; early detection matters much more than age,” she said.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – a month devoted to raising awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer.
While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting people of all ages.
It is also one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.
Find out more about colorectal cancer by visiting Bowel cancer screening | Queensland Health.
References
1. Cao AMY, Lonne MLR, Clark DA. Long‐term survival outcomes in young‐onset colorectal cancer: A population‐based cohort study. Colorectal Disease 2025; 27: e70007.
2. Valizadehzare S, Keogh C, Edmundson A, Clark DA. Extremes of Age Versus Middle Decades of Life: A Population-Based Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Survival in Queensland, Australia. ANZ Journal of Surgery; n/a