A retrospective analysis was made in 47 young adults (20 to 40 years of age) with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Rectal bleeding was the most frequent presenting symptom. Tumor grade had no correlation with survival. Smaller tumors were associated with better prognosis. Depth of invasion was a most important prognostic factor. There was no operative mortality. The five-year survival rate in these young adults compares favorably with the overall survival statistics for colorectal carcinoma.