In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults. While the exact reasons for this increase are still being studied, awareness of symptoms, early detection, and lifestyle choices can play an important role in prevention. Premier Medical Group is committed to informing our patients and community about the potential risk factors to be aware of and screening options available through our GI Division.
Symptoms Younger Adults Should Not Ignore
Early signs of colorectal cancer can be subtle, but recognizing them can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider:
- Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool that lasts for more than a few days.
- Blood in Stool: Bright red or dark blood in stool or rectal bleeding.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
- Abdominal Pain or Cramping: Ongoing discomfort, bloating, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent tiredness, which could indicate anemia brought on by internal bleeding.
- Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movements: A constant urge to have a bowel movement even after going.
Ignoring these symptoms or attributing them to common digestive issues can delay diagnosis, making the disease harder to treat.
The Importance of Early Detection
While the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among young adults can be alarming, there are proactive steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and detect issues early. Screening is one of the most effective ways to catch colorectal cancer in its early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk begin screening at age 45, but those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Common screening options include:
- Colonoscopy: The gold standard for detecting and removing precancerous polyps.
- Stool Tests: Such as fecal tests or stool DNA tests, which detect hidden blood or abnormal cells in the stool.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A less invasive imaging test. *
Not sure which test is right for you? Call your Premier Medical provider or contact our GI Division today to talk through the options that are available.
Potential Colorectal Cancer Causes
While the exact reason for the rise in colorectal cancer in younger adults is currently unknown researchers are looking at a few suspected factors:
- Increased Processed and Fast Food Consumption: Diets high in processed meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks have been linked to inflammation and gut microbiome imbalances.
- Low Fiber Intake: Fiber is essential for gut health, and low fiber diets may lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Lack of Physical Activity: A more sedentary lifestyle, including excessive screen time and sitting for long periods.
- Obesity: Excess body weight is linked to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
- Disruptions in Gut Bacteria: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and inflammation. An imbalance can be caused by poor diet, antibiotics, or environmental factors.
- Chemical and Pollutant Exposure: While research is still ongoing, increased exposure to pesticides, food additives, and microplastics are being linked to increased cancer rates.**
- Chronic Stress: Long periods of stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to inflammation.
- Genetic Changes: While genetics alone don’t explain the rise, researchers are interested in the potential link between genetic predisposition for cancer and modern lifestyle choices which could be contributing to increased cancer susceptibility.
- Lack of Early Screening & Delayed Diagnosis: Since colorectal cancer has been traditionally considered an older adult’s disease, younger patients may not be screened early enough. Due to this age-based bias, many young adults and even healthcare providers may overlook early symptoms, leading to later stage diagnoses.
It’s important to be aware of these potential causes and recognize which ones are more likely to be a risk factor for your own health. Awareness is key in helping people detect colorectal cancer symptoms early, so it’s important to stay informed and talk to your Premier Medical provider about any risk factor areas you’ve identified.
Preventing Colorectal Cancer
While there’s no magic formula to completely rule out the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, there is strong evidence that diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits can help greatly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Healthier Food Choices ***
A health-focused, balanced diet has been linked to myriad positive health benefits including better cancer outcomes. Keeping the following tips in mind can help support overall gut health in addition to targeting areas that have been linked to colorectal cancer:
- Increase Fiber Intake: Eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and may lower cancer risk.
- Limit Red and Processed Meats: High consumption of red and processed meats has been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Consume Healthy Fats: Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, may help reduce inflammation. ****
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports overall digestive health.
Regular Physical Activity
Exercise not only supports overall health but also lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week can:
- Improve digestion and gut health.
- Help maintain a healthy weight, reducing cancer risk.
- Boost the immune system.
Avoiding Risky Habits
Certain lifestyle factors contribute to increased colorectal cancer risk.**** Avoiding the following can help:
- Smoking: Long term smoking has been linked to colorectal and other cancers.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. *****
Take Charge of Your Health
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, but awareness and proactive health measures can make a difference. By recognizing symptoms early, prioritizing regular screenings, and making healthier lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing the disease. If you experience any concerning symptoms don’t wait, speak with your Premier Medical provider to make an appointment to get screened as soon as possible. Early detection saves lives. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take control of your well-being this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
To schedule your Colon Cancer Screening, please call Premier’s GI Division:
Poughkeepsie/Fishkill: 845.471.9410
New Windsor: 845.562.0740
**** https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
****** https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9177054/