Over the past 25 years, the incidence of colon cancer and deaths from it has declined in adults 50 and older.
This is welcome news that is the result of an increase in colonoscopy screening among this group, which allows for early detection and cancer prevention. The bad news is that, over the same period, colon cancer has risen in those under 50 and is now a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for this age group.
However, many gastroenterologists believe this trend can be stopped and even reversed with the right prevention strategies, including following updated colonoscopy screening guidelines.
“We’ve seen a 2% annual increase in colon cancer rates in young adults. In fact, 14% of all colon cancers are now found in individuals younger than 50,” said Dr. Gurkarminder Sandhu, a gastroenterologist on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney medical staff. “We’re also seeing more advanced disease at earlier ages.”
This trend is the primary reason that the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend adults receive a screening colonoscopy starting at age 45—down from 50—for those at average risk.
Those with a strong family history of the disease—either one first-degree relative or multiple second-degree relatives previously diagnosed—should ask their doctor about getting screened even sooner.
Uncovering the ‘why’
Although there’s no definitive answer as to why colon cancer is now affecting younger adults at a higher rate than it did decades ago, the medical consensus points to several elements of a modern lifestyle:
- Diets filled with ultra-processed foods and too much red meat
- Not enough regular physical activity, often due to screen time
- Climbing obesity rates
- Tobacco and alcohol habits
In addition, Dr. Sandhu believes that younger people, even those living a healthy lifestyle, are perhaps more likely to dismiss their symptoms, leading to later diagnoses.
“Younger patients may be more likely to attribute their symptoms to something they saw on the internet and not think of the potential seriousness,” Dr. Sandhu said. “Maybe they’re thinking it’s something that will get better and not paying full attention to their bodies.”
Reversing the trend
Dr. Sandhu said early checking of symptoms is essential.
“Any changes to your baseline bowel habits need to be addressed to figure out the cause and why that is,” she said.
Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in frequency, shape or consistency of bowel movements, as well as unexplained weight loss, should be discussed with a physician.
There are other steps she recommends everyone take for better digestive health:
- Swap out processed foods and red meat for fresh chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables.
- Get 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol as much as possible.
In addition, it is critical to get a colonoscopy starting at age 45, or younger, based on risk factors. A colonoscopy allows gastroenterologists to find and remove polyps that may turn into cancer, thereby preventing the disease altogether. And it’s not nearly the hassle—or as uncomfortable—as many people think, thanks to big improvements to the procedure over the past 10-15 years. The prep is much easier, and recovery afterward can be measured in minutes, not hours.
A healthy lifestyle and getting the recommended screenings can stem the rise of colon cancer, or at least help catch it early when it’s more treatable. But it starts with knowing your body.
“You know your body more than any doctor does,” Dr. Sandhu said. “If you notice something is wrong, you need to advocate for yourself.”
Click here to find a Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney GI doctor today.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of Baylor Scott & White Health or those medical centers.
The above story was produced by the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney team with Community Impact’s Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through Community Impact’s advertising team.
