Colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger adults, prompting experts to emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention, regardless of age or screening guidelines. While the recommended age for routine colorectal cancer screening has been lowered to 45, research suggests that even younger individuals are developing the disease.
Gastroenterologist Timothy Yen, MD, shares insights on what may be driving this trend and how people can take proactive steps to protect their health.
Although researchers have not identified a single cause, there appears to be a generational shift in risk compared to older adults.
“There are likely multiple causes, including diet, such as processed foods or sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as known risk factors like lack of exercise, red meat intake, and tobacco use,” Yen says. “This is an active area of research.”
Don’t ignore symptoms
Regardless of age, certain symptoms may indicate a problem and should not be ignored. Yen highlighted the following key warning signs:
- Rectal bleeding (a particularly important symptom)
- Significant abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
For younger individuals, it may be easy to dismiss symptoms or assume they stem from benign conditions, such as hemorrhoids. However, Yen urges caution.
“At any point something is new and unusual, you should bring it up to a healthcare provider,” he says. “Never just assume it is due to hemorrhoids unless you have had a colonoscopy to confirm this is the case.”
Several lifestyle factors may contribute to the rising rates of colorectal cancer among younger adults. To reduce risk, Yen recommends:
- Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding processed foods and sugary beverages
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
- Staying physically active
Screening essential
In addition, routine screening remains a critical tool in preventing colorectal cancer or detecting it early when it is most treatable.
Yen says that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45, even for those with no symptoms. However, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start even earlier, depending on their level of risk.
“Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening,” Yen says. “But there are several other non-invasive options available, including stool tests and, to a lesser extent, blood tests.”
Colorectal cancer is not just a concern for older adults. Young adults experiencing unusual symptoms should not hesitate to seek medical advice. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings when appropriate, individuals can take proactive steps to lower their risk.
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