Colon Cancer Increasingly Affecting Young People, Watch Out for These 4 Signs
Colon cancer should be a concern from a young age. The disease can affect adults before the age of 50, and several of its symptoms are often mistaken for common health complaints.
This shifting trend is also reflected in a study published in the British Journal of Surgery (BJS). The research found that people born in 1990 have twice the risk of developing colon cancer compared with those born in 1950.
The phenomenon has drawn the attention of Florida-based gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab. He stressed the importance of recognising the signs of colon cancer as early as possible so that the disease can be treated more quickly.
“Early detection is the key to successful treatment,” Dr Salhab emphasised.
According to the Times of India, the following are several early symptoms of colon cancer that should be watched for.
- Bleeding from the anus
Bleeding from the anus is often dismissed as trivial, yet it can be one of the early signs of colon cancer. Dr Joseph Salhab said that blood appearing during bowel movements, whether bright red or dark red, should be taken seriously.
Although bleeding can be caused by mild conditions such as haemorrhoids, bleeding that occurs continuously or repeatedly may indicate a serious problem, including the growth of polyps or a tumour in the bowel.
Dr Salhab stressed that this condition should be checked by a medical professional immediately to determine the cause and prevent the disease from progressing to an advanced stage.
- Unexplained abdominal pain
Abdominal pain or discomfort that appears without a clear cause and persists should be treated with caution. Complaints may include recurring pain, cramps or discomfort.
This is especially true if the abdominal pain occurs alongside other symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, bleeding during bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss. If the complaint persists, a medical examination is needed to identify the cause.
- Constant fatigue
Feeling tired all the time is not a good sign. Fatigue even after adequate rest may indicate an underlying health problem. People tend to ignore this symptom, but Dr Salhab has stressed that it can be a crucial sign.
Young adults, who are often busy, may attribute it to stress or lack of sleep.
- Changes in bowel habits
The way you pass stools matters. Changes in bowel habits, especially those lasting more than a few weeks, should be watched for. These changes may involve increased constipation, diarrhoea, or even how often you have a bowel movement. If these changes continue, you should consult a doctor.
Other symptoms
Dr Salhab also mentioned several other early signs of colon cancer. These symptoms include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, or recurring low-grade fever.
Although these symptoms may be caused by other health problems, when combined they can indicate colon cancer. It is therefore important to have them checked.
“The incidence of gastrointestinal cancers in adults under the age of 50 is increasing globally. Ongoing research efforts to investigate the biology of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers are essential to develop more effective screening, prevention and treatment strategies,” said the study’s lead author, Sara Char.
Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet, sedentary behaviour and obesity, as well as genetic predisposition, may also contribute to the risk of colon cancer.
This demographic shift in colon cancer has raised concern among health experts worldwide. Although routine colon cancer screening typically begins in a person’s 40s, many young adults remain undiagnosed until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
Experts now recommend increased vigilance and early discussions with a doctor, especially for those with a family history or persistent symptoms. If you notice any of the signs above, it is important to consult a doctor promptly.
Causes of colorectal cancer at a young age
There is no definitive answer as to why colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting young people. However, several factors are thought to play a role, such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet low in fibre and high in fat, high consumption of processed meat, and environmental influences.
A family history, bowel polyps and inflammatory bowel disease can also increase the risk. Although genetic factors are suspected, experts believe that most cases in young people occur sporadically rather than as a result of a specific genetic syndrome.
One genetic disorder often linked to the condition is Lynch syndrome, which triggers tumours on the right side of the colon. However, according to Dr Reddy of Yale University, this syndrome is not the main cause of the surge in cases among young people.