Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, May 9: Once considered a disease of the elderly, colon cancer is now increasingly affecting younger adults, with medical experts sounding the alarm over a concerning rise in cases among those under 50.

Traditionally, colorectal cancer screenings began at age 50, but the shifting trends have prompted revised guidelines. The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screenings start at 45, reflecting the urgency brought on by recent data showing a 1-2% annual increase in cases among younger adults since the mid-1990s. Alarmingly, these cases are often detected at more advanced stages, owing to symptoms being overlooked or misattributed.

Doctors say the reasons behind the surge are multifactorial – spanning lifestyle choices, diet, genetics, and environmental triggers. The cancer is particularly dangerous because it often remains silent in early stages. “By the time patients notice symptoms, it’s often progressed,” noted specialists from New York’s gastroenterology circles, who are spearheading awareness efforts.

Among the silent but serious symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue that doesn’t resolve with rest – a sign of internal blood loss and anemia.
• Unexplained weight loss, often due to tumors disrupting nutrient absorption or altering metabolism.
• Changes in bowel habits, like chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
• Blood in the stool, whether bright red or darker, which is often mistaken for hemorrhoids.
• Abdominal discomfort, including bloating, gas, or cramps that don’t resolve and worsen over time.

Doctors warn that not all bleeding is visible, and occult blood can only be detected through stool tests. This highlights the importance of regular medical checkups, especially for those with a family history of colorectal cancer. Conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) drastically increase risk and warrant early and frequent screening.

Lifestyle also plays a key role. Diets low in fiber and high in red or processed meat, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use are significant risk factors.

Experts stress that young adults must advocate for their health. Many report being dismissed by doctors who assume they are too young for cancer. However, awareness can mean the difference between early detection and a life-threatening diagnosis.

When caught early, colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 90%. But once it spreads, outcomes are far grimmer.

“Colon cancer may whisper in the beginning through fatigue, changes in weight or digestion but it’s critical to listen to those whispers,” said a New York gastroenterologist. “If something doesn’t feel right, speak up and get tested. It could save your life.”