AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Colon cancer is a disease becoming more associated with younger people.

A map of the medically underserved populations from the Georgia State Office of Rural Health shows our regions are included in the list.

We spoke to doctors at the Medical College of Georgia as cancer researchers are working on addressing colon cancer rates in Georgia.

Researchers at MCG say they don't fully understand what is directly leading to people getting colorectal cancer earlier.

But they do say research shows that access to healthcare plays a crucial part in the outcomes of patients.

"We definitely need more study to figure out the key factors that are linked with this outcome," said Dr. Meng-Han Tsai, assistant professor at Augusta University.

Tsai says her research at the Georgia Cancer Center is concerning for her generation.

"I'm also kind of under that age group and I am curious as to why these populations are getting diagnosed at such a young age," she said.

She's discovering earlier cases of colorectal cancer as early as 30.

And her research suggests higher mortality rates when compared to people in areas of accessible health care.

"How we can help them get early detection is the key," said Tsai.

MCG associate dean and provider in Albany, Dr. Koosh Desai, says that's easier said than done when there are barriers to seeing his patients.

"It's not uncommon for my patients to have to drive 25-30 minutes or even an hour to come see me," said Desai.

According to state government health agencies, almost all of Georgia and South Carolina's counties are medically underserved.

Desai says his department is helping to relieve those barriers with grants from the CDC In an initiative called the Georgia Colorectal Control Program.

"It focuses on going into these communities and giving patients access to screenings and what we found is if we educate providers and reduce barriers that we're actually able to get screenings to folks who were previously unscreened," he said.

It's an issue medical experts say is not going away, but further research and investment will help aid the battle.

Desai says the Georgia Colorectal Cancer Control Program has helped more than 12,000 Georgians get access to preventative resources.

But he says long-term funding and bringing more clinics and providers to Georgia is what's really going to make a difference.

The program's funds will expire next year unless approved to be renewed by the CDC.