Early-onset colorectal cancer is occurring at an increasing rate, and the reality is that you’re never too young to pay attention to concerning digestive symptoms.
While colorectal cancer has traditionally been associated with older adults, cases among younger adults have been rising for decades. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer incidence among adults younger than 50 increased by about 3% per year from 2013 to 2022.
This trend makes it increasingly important for younger adults to understand their risk, know which symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, and recognize the difference between routine colon cancer screening and evaluating symptoms that may require medical attention.
Colon Cancer Is Increasing in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer rates have been declining among older adults, in large part because of screening and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, the trend has been moving in the opposite direction among younger adults.
The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer incidence increased by about 3% per year among adults ages 20 to 49 from 2013 to 2022. Even more concerning, three out of four colorectal cancers diagnosed in adults younger than 50 are found at a regional or distant stage.
This doesn’t mean colorectal cancer is common among young adults, but it does mean that age alone shouldn’t be a reason to dismiss persistent or concerning symptoms.
Why Is Colon Cancer Increasing in Younger Adults?
Researchers don’t yet know exactly why colorectal cancer is becoming more common among younger adults. The National Cancer Institute reports that researchers are studying a combination of environmental, lifestyle, genetic, and other factors that could be contributing to the increase in early-onset cancers.
Several factors are already known to increase the risk of colorectal cancer and are also being studied for their possible role in the increase among younger adults. These include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- A diet high in processed or red meat and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Changes involving gut bacteria and inflammation
Family history and inherited genetic conditions can also increase colorectal cancer risk at a younger age. However, many younger people who develop colorectal cancer do not have an obvious inherited explanation for the disease.
Colon Cancer Symptoms Younger Adults Shouldn’t Ignore
One of the challenges with colorectal cancer in younger adults is that symptoms may be overlooked or attributed to less serious digestive problems.
Possible signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- A persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness, which can sometimes be related to iron-deficiency anemia
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have colorectal cancer. Many common digestive conditions can cause similar problems. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve medical attention regardless of your age.
Research highlighted by the National Cancer Institute identified rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia as potential warning signs associated with early-onset colorectal cancer.
Screening Starts at 45, But Symptoms Shouldn’t Wait
For people at average risk and without symptoms, regular colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45.
In fact, half of colorectal cancer diagnoses occurring before age 50 are now found among people ages 45 to 49, the age group newly eligible for routine screening.
People at increased risk because of family history, certain inherited conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, or other factors may need to begin screening earlier or follow a different screening schedule.
Being younger than the routine screening age does not mean you should ignore symptoms. Screening is intended for people who do not have symptoms. If you’re experiencing rectal bleeding, blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal symptoms, or another concerning digestive problem, talk with your healthcare provider about whether further evaluation is appropriate.
If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, learn more about colon cancer screening options and the differences between colonoscopy and at-home screening tests.
When Should You Talk With a Gastroenterologist?
Don’t assume you’re too young to talk with your doctor about colorectal cancer.
Consider discussing your symptoms or risk with a healthcare provider if you have:
- Persistent rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- An unexplained or persistent change in your bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal pain or other unexplained digestive symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or iron-deficiency anemia
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- Another condition or inherited syndrome associated with increased colorectal cancer risk
The presence of one of these factors does not mean you have colorectal cancer. The goal is to identify symptoms or risk factors that deserve appropriate evaluation rather than dismissing them because of your age.
Colonoscopy in Lubbock, TX
Colonoscopy remains an important tool for both colorectal cancer screening and the evaluation of certain digestive symptoms. It allows a gastroenterologist to directly examine the colon and, when appropriate, identify and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
Need to schedule a colonoscopy in Lubbock? Learn more about colonoscopy with Dr. Sameer Islam, including colon cancer screening, Dr. Islam’s colonoscopy quality indicators, insurance coverage, self-pay options, preparation, and what to expect from your procedure.
