Marwan G. Fakih, MD - Medical Oncologist, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, Deputy Director, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division Chief, GI Medical Oncology, Co-director, Gastrointestinal Cancer Program

Dr. Marwan Fakih, Deputy Director of the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division Chief of GI Medical Oncology, discusses the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults under 50, a trend that has nearly doubled over the past two decades. While screening guidelines have been updated to begin at age 45, Dr. Fakih emphasizes that the absolute number of cases in younger populations remains relatively low, making widespread screening inefficient and potentially risky. He advocates for improved patient and physician education to act on early symptoms like rectal bleeding, which are often dismissed as hemorrhoids. He highlights ongoing research into blood-based biomarkers and non-invasive diagnostics, such as methylation assays, as promising tools for early detection. Dr. Fakih also stresses the importance of clinical trial networks to expand access to cutting-edge treatments and the need for specialized care models for young adult patients, including fertility preservation, psychosocial support, and multidisciplinary teams. He concludes by urging health system leaders to prioritize research infrastructure, clinical trial access, and innovation in oncology to stay ahead of rapid advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies.