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Most people think of colorectal cancer as something that only affects older adults, but recent trends show that young adults are increasingly at risk. 

“We’re seeing more and more young adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Kristeen Onyirioha Ogunsanwo, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. “On the one hand, rates are dropping in people over 65, but on the other, they’re rising among those under 50.”

 

Colorectal cancer now ranks as the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50, and the second in women, just behind breast cancer. Early detection can significantly change lives.

Anyone over 45 is considered at average risk for colorectal cancer, which is why screening guidelines now recommend starting colonoscopies at that age. But younger adults aren’t immune. 

 

Risk factors include being male, being of African American ethnicity, having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, having certain medical conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease, having genetic syndromes and being exposed to radiation in the pelvic area.

 

“Even if you’re young and healthy, it’s important to understand if you have an increased risk,” Ogunsanwo advised. “If you are at higher risk, start building a health history with a gastrointestinal specialist now. Then, in the event you begin to experience concerning symptoms, you have an established doctor.”

 

Regardless of your age or risk factors, it’s important to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms. The biggest red flags are rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or stool that’s darker than usual. More subtle symptoms include:

·      Abdominal pain or cramping 

·      Changes in bowel habits

·      Fatigue

·      Unexplained weight loss

 

“No symptom is too general to mention to your doctor,” Ogunsanwo said. “He or she knows which are concerning and can perform a workup to decide if more screening is needed.”

Colonoscopies are the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. They’re typically recommended every 10 years starting at age 45, but if you’re at higher risk, your doctor might advise starting earlier or screening more often. 

 

“A colonoscopy provides a visual of your colon and allows us to intervene right then and there if we see something unusual,” Ogunsanwo explained.

There are also less invasive screening options, such as immunochemical fecal tests, high-sensitivity blood tests, stool DNA tests, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor can help determine which option is best for you.

 

Catching colorectal cancer early is critical. 

“Caught in the later, more advanced stages, colorectal cancer is very hard to cure and treatment is usually palliative,” Ogunsanwo noted. “But when we catch colorectal cancer early, treatment is administered with a curative intent.”

 

If you have symptoms or risk factors, don’t put off talking to your doctor. Early action can save lives — even for young adults.

Talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening options. Visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer/colorectal-cancer/screening[GU1]  or call 713.790.3333.

 
 [GU1]Leslie: I think we should proceed with using this URL for the GI article for all the hospitals that are using it:

 

https://www.houstonmethodist.org/cancer/colorectal-cancer/screening/

 

While I do think we could get a zip zoom, the map on the system page is a location map. and it serves the same perfect (though I KNOW it isn't zoomed in to the zip code, but I think it makes sense).