The occurrence of colon cancer is increasing in individuals younger than 50, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness of symptoms in young adults to combat this deadly disease.
Colorectal Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Cancer Death
Colon cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly. Today, it is the leading cause of cancer death for men younger than 50 and the second deadliest cancer for women.
“Since 1995, there has been a 45 percent increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under the age of 50,” said Folasade May, MD, a cancer prevention researcher and gastroenterologist at UCLA Health in Los Angeles.
Due to the rising number of cases of colon cancer in younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is advising that individuals undergo a baseline screening for colon cancer at the age of 45 rather than 50.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Young Adults
JAMA Network Open published an analysis of 80 studies involving almost 25 million people younger than 50. The study found that young adults often share similar colon cancer symptoms. Blood in the stool was a symptom in 45 percent of cases, followed by abdominal cramps (40 percent) and changes in bowel habits (27 percent).
Diagnosis often took longer in younger patients, often between four and six months after they noticed symptoms.
Do Not Ignore Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
One of the main issues of young-onset colon cancer incidence is that young people tend to ignore symptoms and avoid getting medical evaluation.
Researchers on a team led by Joshua Demb, a graduate student at the University of California, San Diego, wrote that “younger patients may experience ongoing signs and symptoms and delay seeking medical attention. Potential reasons for these delays include a patient believing they are too young to worry about cancer or a lack of access to primary care or health insurance.”
Blood in the stool is always a red flag, although bloody stool can be indicative of other digestive issues. According to the research, individuals younger than 50 with blood in their stool have a fivefold increase in the risk of developing colon cancer compared to those without this symptom.
How Can I Tell if It’s Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer?
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can also cause bloody stools. About 89 percent of Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
It can be difficult to determine the origin of the bleeding, which is why it is essential to visit a doctor. Hemorrhoids are swollen tissues in the rectum and anus that can itch and bleed. Although they can be painful, hemorrhoids are not life-threatening like a cancerous colon polyp.
Early Detection Leads to Early Treatment
If you are experiencing rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, do not ignore your symptoms. You may have some inflamed hemorrhoids that will respond well to over-the-counter treatment. It may, however, be a bleeding polyp that could turn into cancer. Both conditions require prompt attention.
Procrastinating can be dangerous when it comes to colon cancer. Various studies suggest 58 to 89 percent of young-onset colon cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages, compared to 30 to 63 percent in older patients.
It is wise to notify your doctor as soon as you exhibit symptoms. Finding colon cancer early increases the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome. Demb and his colleagues estimate young colon cancer patients delay about 40 percent longer in getting screened and diagnosed.
Know Your Personal Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain individuals may have factors that increase their chances of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors include the following:
- Obesity, especially in men
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Low-fiber diet
- Family history of colon cancer
- Genetic syndromes — e.g., Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Find an Expertly Trained GI Doctor
Your digestive health is a priority, so don’t delay in getting tested for colorectal cancer. When is the last time you had a colonoscopy or another screening method? You may be due for preventive care.
Our doctors provide quality care at GI centers across the country and are accepting new patients. Whether you suffer from digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis or ulcers, our physicians can help. Find a location near you and call today.