If you’re 25 and experiencing changes in your bowel movements or have chronic fatigue or stomach cramps, you might chalk it up to poor eating habits or one too many nights out. However, four “red flag” symptoms you shouldn’t be so quick to ignore — abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia — can also be signs of early-onset colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer.
Studies show that more young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer than ever before. The American Cancer Society reports that 45% of new colorectal cancer cases are now occurring in adults under 65, up from 27% in 1995. And colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people younger than 50.
Unfortunately, this type of cancer is usually diagnosed in young people after it has advanced — when it is harder to treat than if it had been caught at an earlier stage. Early colon cancer diagnosis and treatment can reduce the need for aggressive treatment and save lives.
New screening age is recommended
In 2021, the increased diagnoses in younger people led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45. Screening can detect polyps and early-stage cancer, which is easier to treat.
For people under age 45, I recommend you pay close attention to your health. Colon cancer can present in many ways. Unfortunately, in younger people, it may take a while for the symptoms to be assessed. This can mean they’re diagnosed at a later stage, the cancer may have advanced, and they may have a poorer prognosis.
The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer can cause one or more of the following symptoms, though symptoms don’t always appear immediately:
A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one Rectal bleeding with bright red blood Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black Cramping or abdominal pain Weakness and fatigue Unintended weight lossYoung people not yet at the screening age who experience any of these symptoms — in particular, the four “red flag” symptoms — should talk with their doctor. For individuals with additional risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer; a personal history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease; or other inherited syndromes linked to colon cancer, their doctor may recommend early screening.
Lifestyle risk factors you can change
Unlike risk factors related to genetics or your personal history, there are other risk factors that you can change to reduce your colon cancer risk. These include:
Being overweight Not being physically active Eating a diet high in red and processed meats Smoking Using or overusing alcoholHowever, making a few lifestyle changes can lower the risk of colorectal cancer and many other types of cancer. These include getting regular exercise; eating a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limits red and processed meats; quitting smoking; and limiting or forgoing alcohol use.
Early detection is key, no matter your age. Talk with your doctor about screening if you are 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer or are experiencing symptoms.
Dr. David Bodkin is a Sharp Community Medical Group oncologist and hematologist affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital.
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