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Reports have consistently highlighted that colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger individuals in the U.S.
According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colorectal cancer among those aged 55 and younger increased from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. Since the late 1990s, colorectal cancer has risen from being the fourth leading cause of cancer death in individuals under 50 to the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the second in women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer screening is only recommended for adults aged between 45 and 75. There are various methods for screening, but the Food and Drug Administration designates a colonoscopy as the 'gold standard for screening'.
With the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer among younger adults, it's clear that many individuals should consider getting their first colonoscopy before the age of 45. Experts suggest that certain symptoms, personal health conditions, and family medical history could justify earlier screening. Here are some signs you might need to get screened sooner:
You notice blood in your stool.
“What would concern me is someone who’s experiencing intermittent bleeding or noticing blood in their stool,” explained Dr. Carole Macaron, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic.
According to the American Cancer Society, blood in your stool doesn't always signal cancer, but it could be a potential warning sign.
“If you notice blood, even if it’s just on the toilet paper and you assume it's due to hemorrhoids, you should have it examined,” advised Dr. Reid Ness, an associate professor of medicine in the gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition department at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, Tennessee. Whether the blood is bright red, dark brown, or leads to black, tarry stools, you should report it to your doctor,” Ness emphasized.
You experience ongoing changes in bowel habits.
Bird's-eye view of numerous candy-shaped stools on a yellow background
Any shift in bowel habits or stool appearance — whether it's a change in frequency or a difference in shape or texture — can be a warning sign, according to Dr. Jeffrey Dueker, a gastroenterologist at UPMC and an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Ness pointed out that ongoing constipation is another key red flag.
It’s particularly important to discuss changes in your bowel habits with your doctor if they persist for more than a few days, according to the American Cancer Society. Ness recommended at least having a physical examination, and your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy.
You experience unexpected abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss.
According to Macaron, unexplained abdominal pain can be a red flag. This can range from cramps to general discomfort to more intense pain, as outlined by the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center.
It’s important to understand that the level of discomfort can vary depending on an individual's pain threshold and personal perception.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, that’s another indicator that you should consult your doctor and inquire about a potential colonoscopy, noted Dueker.
Your family has a history of colon cancer.
Individuals with a parent, sibling, or child who has a history of colorectal cancer should consider screening before turning 45, as per Macaron.
“Having one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer doubles your risk, according to a meta-analysis of various studies,” Macaron explained. “If that relative was diagnosed with colon cancer at 50 or younger, your risk increases by three times.”
If a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it's recommended to have your first colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years younger than the age your relative was when diagnosed — whichever comes first, Macaron stated. For instance, if your mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at 44, you should get your first colonoscopy at 34. Ness also noted that if your parents or siblings had large polyps, screening should begin at 40.
“During a colonoscopy, if we spot a polyp and suspect it's the precancerous type, which most of them are, we’ll remove the polyps during the procedure,” Dueker explained. “By doing so, we’re lowering the risk of colorectal cancer in the future.”
Polyps aren't typically a common topic in family discussions, according to Ness. That’s why it’s crucial to be transparent about your health with family members and keep them informed about any procedures or findings.
You suffer from iron deficiency anemia, have inflammatory bowel disease, or have a personal or family history of certain cancers.
Iron deficiency anemia is quite common in young women, but it can also serve as a warning sign in certain cases, though not all, according to Ness. Menstrual periods can lead to iron deficiency anemia, but if your OB-GYN is concerned, or if you have worries of your own, reach out to your doctor and discuss the possibility of a colonoscopy. For men, iron deficiency is always a red flag, and a colonoscopy should be considered, Ness added.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease, it's also recommended to have a colonoscopy before turning 45.
“Any inflammation affecting the colon can increase the risk of developing precancerous changes, such as dysplasia, or even colon cancer,” Dueker explained. “Other conditions can heighten the risk as well. For example, radiation treatment in the pelvic or abdominal areas can also elevate the risk of colon cancer.”
Having a personal history of colorectal cancer puts you at an increased risk as well. If you have a mutation in one of the cancer-related genes, it's important to begin surveillance for colorectal cancer early, said Macaron.
Colorectal cancer screening is essential for everyone. Don’t hesitate to speak up for your health and take action.
“Those at higher risk, whether due to family history or symptoms, should undergo a colonoscopy,” said Ness. However, if you’re 45 or older with no risk factors and fear the procedure or the preparation, other screening methods such as fecal tests or CT scans are available.
“The key is to get screened once you're of the recommended age,” Ness added. “The most pressing issue right now is that only about 70% of those at risk are being screened, leaving 30% untested. Studies show that active screening can cut colorectal cancer mortality by at least 50%.”
Furthermore, colorectal cancer rates are increasing among younger populations. Just because the guidelines suggest screening starts at age 45 doesn't mean you should wait.
“There’s a clear upward trend,” Macaron pointed out. “The data shows that people born in the 1990s face twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in the 1950s.”
It's crucial to take into account family history, personal health background, and symptoms. If you notice anything concerning, no matter how minor it seems, don't hesitate to consult your doctor about getting a colonoscopy.
While awaiting your appointment, try not to panic. The symptoms mentioned above don't necessarily indicate colon cancer, but they could signal something that warrants a colonoscopy, and one of the possible causes may be colon cancer, as Dueker pointed out.
Taking charge of your health is always beneficial. At the very least, it will help you manage any troubling symptoms. In some cases, it might even save your life.
“Colorectal cancer is preventable,” Ness said. “So take advantage of the available tests to detect it early and remove the precancerous polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer.”
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
