The rate of new colon cancer cases in people under 50 has increased by 2% every year since 2011 while the rate in older age groups has remained stable or decreased. We are still learning about the reason for this increase in younger groups, it could be due to lifestyle factors or unknown genetic links. Recommendations for screenings remain the same, starting at age 45 for those with no family history and at 40 or younger for people who do.

Symptoms of colon cancer include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or iron deficiency anemia. Tell your doctor and consider asking for a colonoscopy if you have these symptoms, even if you are under the age of 45.

Colon or colorectal cancer was previously thought to be heavily linked to lifestyle factors such a poor diet or simply growing older. However, in recent years young people who have healthy diets, high physical activity, and no family history have also been presenting with the disease.

Health care providers may not think of colon cancer as a possible cause for patient symptoms in young healthy patients with no family history. This could be leading to the higher rate of advanced disease diagnosis in younger patients, while those over 50 years old have seen a drop in diagnoses of late-stage disease due to increased screening.

Colon cancer is preventable through early detection but becomes harder to treat if found at later stages. It is important to begin the screenings at your recommended age.

We are still learning about the cause for this increase in colon cancer cases, factors could include environmental factors such as chemicals in our food, or other unknown genetic links.