Colorectal cancer is becoming a significant concern for people under 50 in the United States. Recent findings from the American Cancer Society show it is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this age group. Experts and survivors urge the public to pay attention to symptoms that could signal this serious illness.
Take Becca Lynch, for example. At just 29, she was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. Initially, she dismissed her symptoms as stress-related. She had unusual bowel movements—often “pencil-thin”—and found herself going to the bathroom much more frequently, sometimes five or six times a day. When she started seeing dark blood in her stool, she realized she needed to see a doctor, inspired by an Instagram video about similar symptoms.
Sadly, Becca’s story isn’t unique. Rebecca Siegel, an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, notes that around 75% of individuals under 50 are already facing advanced stages of colorectal cancer by the time they are diagnosed, primarily because they don’t believe their symptoms could be serious. Many assume they might just have hemorrhoids, a common misconception.
Siegel emphasizes that anyone experiencing rectal bleeding for more than a couple weeks should consult a doctor right away. For those looking to get screened without a colonoscopy, at-home tests like Cologuard and the FIT test can help identify possible issues.
Interestingly, while colorectal cancer diagnoses are rising in younger adults, the rates among those over 65 continue to decline, dropping over 2% each year. Since the 1990s, colorectal cancer has surged from being the fifth to the top cause of cancer death for younger populations.
Doctors are now recognizing the need for specialized care aimed at younger patients. Siegel points out that many treatments can impact fertility and sexual health, issues that older patients might not prioritize. This raises a critical need for doctors to discuss how to preserve these aspects of life for younger patients before beginning treatment.
Experts are still trying to understand why this increase is happening among younger individuals. Siegel refers to the “birth cohort effect,” suggesting that events or exposures that began in the mid-20th century are contributing to this trend. Some research points to the food supply, noting the rise in processed foods and chemicals as potential culprits.
For instance, a study revealed that microplastics can cross into human blood, leading scientists to explore their potential impact on gut health. Populations like Alaska Natives show the highest colorectal cancer mortality rates globally, highlighting the need for more research to understand why certain groups are affected more than others.
Lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise and obesity are often blamed, but they don’t account for the complete rise in cases. Prosanta Chakrabarty, an evolutionary biologist, was diagnosed at 47 despite living a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings. He faced numerous rounds of chemotherapy and hereafter felt unprepared for the realities of cancer treatment.
Both Becca and Prosanta have shared their stories publicly to break the stigma around cancer symptoms. Becca, who is currently symptom-free but under watch, feels it’s vital to raise awareness. “That’s part of why I agreed to an interview about my poop,” she says, using humor to help others confront their fears.
As awareness grows, so does the need for open conversations about symptoms, screenings, and treatment options. Addressing these issues can save lives and lead to earlier interventions. Finding answers will take a community effort, combining personal stories with scientific inquiry to understand the rising trends in colorectal cancer among younger people.
For more information on screening and prevention, you can visit the American Cancer Society and explore resources like Cologuard and the FIT test.
