The death of Chadwick Boseman and the loss of long-time sports writer and radio host Jamie Samuelson are raising awareness about the number of younger people being diagnosed with colon cancer. Colon cancer cases in people under the age of 50 have been rising by about 2 percent annually. Traditionally, colon cancer screening started at age 50 but that recommendation has been pushed down to 45. Screen should be started at younger ages for people who are at higher risk for colon cancer, according to Dr. Joel Appel, chief of hematology oncology at DMC Sinai Grace. That includes those with a history of inflammatory bowel diseases, people who received radiation to their abdomen or pelvis and anyone with a family history of colon cancer.