A study in the Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology shows that almost one in three colorectal cancer patients at Kidwai Memorial Institute is younger than 45. Researchers analyzed 964 cases from 2019 to 2024. Pavan T. Sugoor, the study's lead author, said, "Young-onset colorectal cancer is no longer rare. It is often detected late and tends to be biologically more aggressive. This combination makes management challenging." About 28.8% of patients were under 45, a high number compared to global data. Younger patients showed more aggressive cancer types and were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages with metastasis. The study noted that colorectal cancer cases are rising among younger Indians, with the average diagnosis age now 50, nearly 10 years younger than in Western countries. Since 2018, 30% of cases at Kidwai were in patients 45 or younger, mostly detected at Stage 3 or 4. Sugoor stressed, "Our findings underline an urgent need to increase clinical awareness and consider earlier screening strategies for younger populations." Rectal cancers made up two-thirds of tumors, with no major gender differences found. Causes for this rise might include changing diets, better diagnostics, and genetic factors. Globally, screening age has been lowered to 45 due to similar trends. Sugoor added, "The study’s findings bolster the case for adopting similar measures in India." He warned, "Even young and otherwise healthy individuals should not ignore red flags such as a change in bowel habits, bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or weight loss."