Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. The good news? It’s also one of the most preventable cancers with regular colon cancer screening.
The passing of actors Chadwick Boseman at age 43 and James Van Der Beek at age 48 has drawn national attention to an important trend: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults.
Recent studies show that cases in adults under 50 are rising by about 1.4 percent each year, while cases in adults over 50 are slowly declining by about 3.1 percent annually (likely due to more proactive screenings). Experts estimate that by 2033, around 25 percent of rectal cancers and 10 to 12 percent of all colorectal cancers will occur in people younger than 50.
These trends make early awareness and colon cancer screening more important than ever. Screening can prevent cancer or catch it early, when treatment works best. This article will explore the role of screening, risk factors, symptoms to watch for and how timely action can save lives.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, the two parts of the large intestine that process and eliminate waste. Most cases develop slowly over time, starting as small abnormal growths called polyps. While many polyps remain harmless, some can become cancerous if they are not detected and removed.
Importantly, aggressive polyps and even early-stage colorectal cancers most often cause no symptoms or warning signs, making routine screening critical and allowing doctors to find and treat problems before they progress.
Although the terms “colon cancer” and “colorectal cancer” are often used interchangeably, colorectal cancer is the broader term that includes cancers of both the colon and the rectum.
Understanding Colon Polyps
Colorectal polyps are growths that form in the lining of the colon or rectum. They are common and typically discovered during routine screening exams, often in people who feel completely well. These growths are commonly discovered during routine screening exams. According to the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, approximately 20 to 30 percent of U.S. adults have colon polyps.
Screening plays a crucial role because it does more than detect cancer — it can actually prevent it. During procedures such as a colonoscopy, physicians can identify and remove polyps before they have the chance to develop into colorectal cancer.
What Causes Colon Cancer? Key Risk Factors
There is no single answer to what causes colon cancer. Usually, it develops because of a mix of risk factors.
Risk factors include:
- Being age 45 or older
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A history of colon polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- A diet high in red or processed meat
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Not getting enough physical activity
Why Are Cases Rising in Younger Adults?
Researchers are still studying why colorectal cancer is increasing in people under 50. Some of the factors that may contribute include changes in diet and lifestyle, obesity and genetic differences. However, many younger adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no clear risk factors at all. This makes awareness and early colon cancer screening even more important, because cancer can develop without obvious warning signs.
Signs of Colon Cancer: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Colon cancer symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, especially in the early stages. Common signs include:
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or narrow stools)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, consult your doctor.
Gender Differences in Symptoms
While symptoms are generally the same for men and women:
- Women may misinterpret bloating or abdominal discomfort as gynecological issues
- Men, on the other hand, may delay seeking care.
Regardless of gender, persistent symptoms should never be ignored.
Colon Cancer Screening: When to Start and How Often
Colon cancer screening is generally recommended for adults starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting earlier.
Screening is important for two main reasons:
- Prevention: Removing polyps before they can turn into cancer.
- Early detection: Finding cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Screening Options
- Colonoscopy: Lets doctors examine the entire colon and remove polyps during the same visit.
- Stool-based tests: Check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in your stool.
The most important step is to get screened. Early detection significantly improves the colon cancer survival rate, and removing precancerous polyps can prevent cancer entirely.
How Often to Get Screened
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following screening guidelines:
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years for adults at average risk.
- Stool-based tests:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
- Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA) every 3 years
Your doctor can help decide the best test and schedule based on your personal risk factors and health history.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. During this procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon.
Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: You’ll need to follow a special diet and take a bowel-cleansing solution the day before.
- Procedure: The doctor will carefully inspect your colon and remove any polyps found. Anesthesia is provided to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Recovery: Most people go home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours.
While the preparation may seem inconvenient, the benefits of a colonoscopy far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer
If colorectal cancer is detected, treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Common options include:
- Surgery: To remove the tumor.
- Chemotherapy: To target cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Often used for rectal cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific cancer cell changes.
- Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.
When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable — making regular colon cancer screening essential. If you’re 45 or older or notice symptoms at any age, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Screening is a simple but powerful tool in the fight against colorectal cancer, helping you protect yourself and those you care about from this preventable disease.
The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stony Brook Medicine provides expert care for a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, using advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities. Our specialized centers and Endoscopy Unit, recognized as a Center of Excellence, allow us to deliver comprehensive, patient-focused care. Committed to clinical excellence, research and education, we strive to advance gastrointestinal health for all patients. Learn more about our Fast Track Screening Colonoscopy program or call (631) 444-2656.
