Im a doctor these are the 6 common symptoms of colon cancer in young people

Rates of colon cancer among young people have been steadily rising over the past three decades, even as diagnoses among older people decline. A staggering 20% of colorectal cancer cases in 2019 were discovered in people younger than 55, up from 11% in 1995.Alarmingly, this younger demographic tends to be diagnosed in the disease’s later stages, making it harder to treat and cure, according to docs who expect colon cancer to cause about 53,000 US deaths this year.However, there are six clear signs young people should watch out for, with experts advising they see a healthcare professional if they experience any of the below.Recent research found that the most common red flag for colorectal cancer in young people was rectal bleeding, as nearly half of those diagnosed reported blood on their toilet paper or in their toilet bowl.

Andrea Cercek, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, tells Self that for younger people with colon cancer, tumors often develop in the last portion of the colon or rectum.“Blood from those tumors has a shorter distance to travel, so it comes out bright red, while blood that’s been in the digestive tract for a while can look almost black.”While blood can be a symptom of colon cancer, other causes of rectal bleeding include IBD, anal fissures, and hemorrhoids.

In any case, this type of bleeding should be addressed and assessed by a medical professional.Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD, a GI medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, Florida, tells Self: “Often, a tumor in your colon or rectum will—like a clog in a pipe—change the way you poop.

That may mean frequent constipation, diarrhea, or both.In other cases, people don’t feel ’empty’ after going, or they notice their poop is looking different than before (it’s more narrow, for instance.)”Dr.

Michael Cecchini, co-director of the colorectal program at the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers and medical oncologis...