In Germany from 1999 to 2018, colon cancers in the upper part of the colon became more common each year among young adults aged 20–49, especially in men, while cancers in the lower part of the colon did not change in frequency.

From 1999 to 2018, the number of new cases of colorectal cancer each year rose by 4.44% in men and 6.40% in women between the ages of 20 and 29 in Germany, with the fastest growth occurring in this younger group, even though colorectal cancer remains uncommon in people this age.

In six regions of Germany, the number of people under age 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer rose each year between 1999 and 2018, with the fastest increase seen in young adults aged 20 to 29.

Between 2004 and 2016, the number of new colorectal cancer cases in adults aged 40 to 49 in Europe rose by 1.6% each year after a period of decline, suggesting a pattern that matches trends seen in younger generations.

From 2001 to 2021, the number of advanced-stage colorectal cancers in younger adults rose by 2.44% each year, mostly due to tumors in the upper part of the colon, indicating that these cancers are being found later than before, even though colonoscopies are being done more often.

Between 2005 and 2016, colorectal cancer became more common each year among people in their 30s in Europe, and these individuals were diagnosed at older ages than people in their 20s, suggesting that environmental or lifestyle factors affecting younger generations began influencing their health earlier in life.