Early Onset of Colorectal Cancer Focus of Annual Lecture

According to a study published in January 2026 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), colorectal cancer is now the leading cancer cause of death in people under the age of 50. In fact, this news was recently highlighted by the death of actor, James Van Der Beek, who passed away from his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 48. He was diagnosed in 2024.

MyMichigan Health will take a closer look at colorectal cancer during the annual Elsa U. Pardee Foundation Memorial Cancer lunch and learn lecture on Tuesday, April 21. The event will be held at noon in Conference Rooms H1221-H1224 on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, 4000 Wellness Drive, Midland.

The free lecture, Too Young to Worry? Think Again: Early Onset of Colorectal Cancer, features a panel discussion with Kristin Busch, M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S., colorectal surgeon, and Randolph Sosolik, M.D., pathologist. Drs. Busch and Sosolik will discuss facts about colorectal cancer, signs, risks and life-saving screening options. Attendees will also learn about the symptoms and warning signs of early-onset colorectal cancer, along with key risk factors associated with the disease including screening options. In addition, the discussion will provide an overview of how the colon and intestines function, how disease can impact these organs, the process by which polyps can develop into colorectal cancer, and how the disease is staged and treated.

The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation has been instrumental in developing MyMichigan’s Oncology Services program, as well as supporting this annual lecture. Registration is required as lunch is included in the free event. Those interested in attending may visit mymichigan.org/pardee or call toll-free (800) 395-1355.