Don’t Ignore Signs of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer

Do you know someone with colon cancer who has yet to celebrate their 50^th birthday? The trend is real.  That’s why we are carefully watching research findings and sharing information that sheds some light on early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) —and what you can do about it. Don’t ignore the the signs of early onset colorectal cancer. Here are six questions to start asking so you know the symptoms and signs of early onset colon cancer.

 

1. When should people get screened for colon cancer?

The current colon cancer screening guidelines set by the American College of Gastroenterology is age 45 for men and women. This new screening guideline applies to people of average risk. However, for those with family history of colon cancer, consider screening earlier, said  Simranjit (Sim) Bedi, DO, gastroenterologist, Gastroenterology of the Rockies.

Ask your insurance company about coverage options if you are under 45 years of age.

 

2. What is early onset colorectal cancer?

People under the age of 50 with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, AKA colon cancer, are considered early onset.

Dr. Bedi said there is a noticeable increase in early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in young adults, in the U.S., yet difficult to pinpoint the exact reason. However, he pointed out the rise in EOCRC has led to the new screening guidelines.

Between 1995 and 2019, diagnoses of men and women under 55 years of age doubled. Because of the shift in age, gastroenterologists are sounding the alarm bell – pushing for early detection and advocating for more colonoscopy screenings, said Dr. Bedi.

What’s become more troubling is that younger people with colon cancer are being diagnosed with advanced disease or advanced-stage colon cancer, according to 2023 research reported by the American Cancer Society.

3. What is the cause of EOCRC?

The rise in early onset colorectal cancer or EOCRC has led researchers to ask the question:  What is the cause of rising colon cancer diagnoses in younger people? While more research is needed, lifestyle factors around diet, plus, metabolic factors linked to excess body weight, suggest a correlation  in the uptick of early onset colon cancer, reported in the Annals of Oncology.

 

The research team led by Ulrike Peter, PhD looked for clues linked to the rise in colon cancer with younger adults. The team studied metabolic factors like waist-to hip ratios and body fat percentage—dietary choices around alcohol consumption—to various inflammatory markers. Researchers concluded that alcohol consumption and excess body fat or being overweight are both linked to early onset colon cancer.

 

They further noted that these findings may help determine screening priorities in people with these risk factors – and how it can help them develop intervention strategies.

4. Why do people avoid colon cancer screenings?

If you’re wondering why people avoid routine screenings like a colonoscopy, there can be several factors.

However, about 33 percent of survey respondents reported fear and anxiety as the reason for delayed CRC screenings, from a report published by Harris Poll with Guardant Health.

 

Don’t let this be your reason for avoiding a colonoscopy screening. Early detection can save lives and preserve quality of life. Don’t wait, get screened today. Having knowledge about your health puts the power back in your hands.

 

5. Know the symptoms of early onset colon cancer?

Whether someone is diagnosed with early onset colon cancer or late onset, symptoms remain similar. Learn the signs of early onset colon cancer.

Here are some general symptoms of colon cancer

• Rectal bleeding
• Bloody stools
• Abdominal pain-gas, bloating
• Changes in bowel habits
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Persistent need to use the toilet
• Feels like the rectum isn’t completely empty after a bowel movement
• Anemia
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

While some people experience symptoms, others may not notice any symptoms, says Dr. Bedi. This is why he often describes colon cancer as a disease with silent symptoms.

Whether you have symptoms or not, during a colonoscopy screening, a camera looks inside the walls of the colon or rectum to help the physician see abnormal cells and colon polyps. This procedure helps doctors confirm whether a person has colon cancer.

Joseph Cassara, MD, MBA, gastroenterologist with Gastroenterology of the Rockies, reminds us that colonoscopy screenings can play a critical role when it comes to improving patient outcomes. This is because a colonoscopy detects signs of colon cancer earlier than other tests.

 

“Prevention is most effective when precancerous polyps are identified and removed in the early stages, long before cancer develops or progresses,” Dr. Cassara said.

Because there is so much to learn about our health, we encourage you to be curious. Explore our colon cancer screening page to learn more about diagnosis and treatment.

6. How can you prevent early onset colorectal cancer?

Prevention is the best medicine. Think about lifestyle choices and modifications when you’re trying to prevent diseases and improve health. To minimize colon cancer risk, here are some lifestyle choices to consider.

 

• Opt for maintaining a healthy weight range
• Eat high fiber and whole foods
  • 25 grams of fiber per day
  • Add lean protein, fruits, vegetable, healthy fats (olive oil)
• Delete high-fat processed foods
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
  • Add resistance training to build muscle
  • Try exercise bands and body weight exercises—if you don’t have access to weights or a gym
• Eliminate harmful substances like tobacco and vaping
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Drink plenty of fluids – stay hydrated

Want to learn more about colon cancer? Check out our colon cancer myth busting blog post.

We hope you’ve found this blog post informative. Need more information about colonoscopy screenings?

 Call 303-604-5000 today to schedule your consult with one of our GI specialists.

 

Produced by Elise Oberliesen, digital marketing specialist; medical review provided by Dr. Sim Bedi & Emily Marshall, PA-C