Why Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Rising in Adults Under 50: Michael Sapienza on Urgent Action and Research
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/08/25
Michael Sapienza is the CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, leading national efforts to prevent colorectal cancer, support patients, and accelerate research. Under his leadership, the Alliance has launched groundbreaking initiatives to address the rising threat of colorectal cancer in younger adults. In this interview, Sapienza discusses alarming trends showing colorectal cancer as the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women under 50 and the leading cause in men under 50. He details Project Cure CRC, a $100 million research initiative, and LEAD FROM BEHIND, a celebrity-driven awareness campaign. Sapienza also explains how budget cuts are impacting clinical trials and how individuals can help fund lifesaving work.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Why are colorectal cancer rates rising in people under 50?
Michael Sapienza: Incidence is rising at alarming rates in young adults. Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer-related deaths among men under 50 and #2 among women under 50. Experts predict it will be the deadliest cancer among 20–49-year-olds by 2030. The reason for the increase is not clear. Despite being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, colorectal cancer is less-know and less-funded than other less-deadly cancers.
Jacobsen: What is Project Cure CRC?
Sapienza: In a critical step forward in the mission to end colorectal cancer, the Alliance launched Project Cure CRC to:
- Fund $100 million in expedited, novel colorectal cancer research, and
- Improve patient outcomes through its dynamic patient navigation and clinical trial portal, BlueHQ.org.
It is the largest philanthropic funding effort in colorectal cancer history. To date, hundreds of letters of intent have been submitted to Project Cure CRC, of which 27 have been awarded grants totaling $12 million in funding from the Alliance.
Jacobsen: How does LEAD FROM BEHIND prevent colorectal cancer?
Sapienza: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance launched LEAD FROM BEHIND, a celebrity-driven initiative to raise awareness for colon cancer as The Preventable Cancer and to break the stigma surrounding the disease. LEAD FROM BEHIND educates about and encourages screening to prevent the disease. Screening helps prevent colon cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
Jacobsen: What is the goal of End Colon Cancer Coast to Coast?
Sapienza: End Colon Cancer Coast to Coast is a volunteer-driven national initiative to raise support for the Alliance’s efforts to end the disease. The goal is to create a movement of fundraising and awareness events from coast to coast to support our mission. We encourage people to visit colorectalcancer.org/DIY to learn about the different ways start a fundraiser.
Jacobsen: How have budget cuts affected clinical trials and studies?
Sapienza: Due to the budget cuts, our partners have placed freezes on salaries, personnel and equipment. In some cases, clinical trials have been stopped, putting patient lives at risk. Any disruption to research pauses progress, stalls breakthroughs and jeopardizes real patients waiting for advances in treatment. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending colorectal cancer, the Alliance will be tripling down on our efforts to fund as much cutting-edge, high-risk, high-reward research as possible through Project Cure CRC.
Jacobsen: How will Amanda Peterson and Lauren Spero’s roles improve fundraising?
Sapienza: Amanda and Lauren bring strong backgrounds and experience in fundraising and volunteer engagement. Amanda will be responsible for growing Alliance fundraising efforts, while Lauren will strengthen volunteer time and talent to maximize fundraising.
Jacobsen: How do marketing and finance work together to support the Alliance’s growth?
Sapienza: Marketing and Finance play integral roles in supporting the Alliance’s growth. The departments work together to achieve a balance of strategic financial planning and innovative creative initiatives that amplify the Alliance’s reach and impact.
Jacobsen: What can individual and institutional donors do?
Sapienza: The easiest way to support the Alliance is to donate at colorectalcancer.org or start a fundraiser at colorectalcancer.org/DIY. The Alliance invites the public, corporations, foundations, and philanthropic individuals to join our mission by contributing to Project Cure CRC at colorectalcancer.org/cure.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Michael.
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