Colon Cancer On the Rise in Young People
August 15, 2024
While the rates of colon cancer are decreasing in people over the age of 55, more and more young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer than ever before.
In 2019, 20 percent of colon cancer diagnoses were in patients under the age of 55—almost double the rate it was in 1995, according to the American Cancer Society. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50.
Why is colon cancer on the rise among young adults?
“We don't fully understand what is driving patterns of change in cancer,” says Jonathan Knowles, M.D., chief of colorectal surgery at JFK University Medical Center.
Diet, sedentary lifestyles, heavy alcohol use, smoking and environmental and genetic factors are all suspected contributors and known risk factors for colon cancer across all age groups. A family history of the disease is also a risk factor.
“We know that colorectal cancer impacts different age groups in slightly different ways, but why is that?” says Dr. Knowles. “It is almost certainly due to lifestyle and dietary factors. What were people eating in 1965 compared to what people were eating in 2015? There's almost certainly going to be some big differences.”
Who should get screened for colon cancer?
Because of this increase in colon cancer in young people, leading cancer organizations in 2021 lowered the recommended age for receiving screening colonoscopies from 50 to 45. A colonoscopy is the best screening tool, but alternatives such as fecal testing are also available if you can't get one.
“Everyone eligible should get screened. Nobody should feel like they're at low risk, even if they have a healthy diet. For most people with colon cancer, it's from a combination of genetic events influenced by other factors like lifestyle,” says Dr. Knowles.
Colon cancer outcomes have improved drastically over the last 25 years, in part due to the increased use of screening colonoscopies to identify cancer earlier when it’s more treatable.
If you are worried you might have colon cancer, it’s important to advocate for yourself, says Dr. Knowles. “Younger people are less likely to get screened and also less likely to be recommended tests by their doctors because they're considered a lower risk. It's important for people to look out for symptoms and to seek help if necessary,” he says.
What are the signs of colon cancer?
People of any age should talk to their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms:
- bleeding from your rectum
- a change in bowel habits
- unusual stools
- persistent abdominal pain
- changes to your appetite
How to Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk
You can reduce your risk of getting colon cancer by making healthy choices, such as:
- eating a low-fat diet that is high in plant fiber
- limiting processed foods like soda and processed meats
- quitting smoking
- decreasing your alcohol intake
- exercising regularly
- losing weight
Dr. Knowles encourages people to take a long-term view when adopting new habits. “To influence your risk of developing diseases like colon cancer, you have to change your lifestyle for long periods of time. If you go on a diet for one month, you may lose some weight, but you are not going to influence your cancer risk – changes need to be long-term,” Dr. Knowles says.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Jonathan Knowles, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Find out if you’re at risk for colon cancer by taking a Colon Cancer Risk Assessment.
- Learn more about cancer care at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
