Colorectal cancer doesn’t usually make headlines, but maybe it should. It’s one of the most common cancers worldwide and often develops quietly, without symptoms. The upside? It’s also one of the most preventable. Regular screening, early detection, and a better understanding of the risks can save lives.
For employers and HR professionals, this isn’t just a health statistic. It’s a real opportunity to support employees, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and promote early intervention. Especially when preventive care is available right at work.
A Common Diagnosis That Touches Every Workplace
Colorectal cancer includes both colon and rectal cancer. It’s currently among the top three cancers diagnosed worldwide. It is estimated that 150,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, and about 53,000 will die from the disease.
people will be diagnosed with this disease
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hy the high numbers? Some of it comes down to aging populations. But other factors—like high consumption of processed foods, low activity levels, and growing access issues—also play a role. And as these trends spread to more parts of the world, colorectal cancer is becoming a growing concern almost everywhere.
For employers, it means that at any given time, someone in the workforce could be living with it, recovering from it, or at risk without even knowing it.
A Shift Toward Younger Adults
Age is still the biggest risk factor. About 90% of colorectal cancer cases happen in people over 50. But there’s a new trend employers can’t ignore: more younger adults are being diagnosed every year.
Since the 1990s, cases in people under 50 have gone up by 1–2% annually in the U.S. In response, national guidelines now recommend starting routine screening at age 45 for most people.
That change is a direct response to what doctors are seeing—and it highlights how important early screening has become, even for younger, working-age employees.
Know the Risk Factors
Some risks are out of our control—like family history or certain inherited conditions. But many of the most common contributors to colorectal cancer are tied to lifestyle choices and everyday habits. These include:
- Diets high in red or processed meats
- Low fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking and regular alcohol use
- Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
- Not getting enough physical activity
There are also inequities that make this even more serious. For example, Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and face higher mortality rates. Often, this comes down to barriers in access to care, delays in diagnosis, and broader social factors.
Screening Can Save Lives
Colorectal cancer usually starts as a small polyp—something that’s easy to miss but also easy to remove if caught early. That’s why screening matters.
Colonoscopies are still the gold standard, but now there are also at-home options, like stool-based tests, that make screening more flexible and convenient.
Even so, screening rates aren’t where they should be—especially among younger adults, busy workers, and underserved populations. That’s where employer-supported health services can really move the needle.
How OnSite Health Makes Prevention Easier
At OnSite Health, we believe access is everything. That’s why our model brings preventive care—like health screenings and education—right into the workplace.
We partner with employers to remove the usual roadblocks: time off, long commutes to the doctor, or putting off appointments due to a busy schedule. Our services include:
- Onsite MDs, PAs, NPs, EMTs, and Nurses
- Health education and awareness campaigns
- Routine screenings
- Support in connecting employees with primary care or specialists
We also help employees figure out when it’s time to get screened based on age, personal risk factors, or family history. And if a follow-up is needed, we help guide the next steps.
Colorectal Cancer Is Common—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Deadly
This is a cancer we can do something about. With earlier detection, healthier habits, and easier access to care, employers have a real opportunity to make a difference.
If you’re looking to support preventive health and reduce future healthcare costs at your organization, we’re here to help.
