These 6 symptoms can indicate colon cancer in young people

Colon cancer rates among young people have risen steadily over the past three decades, even as diagnoses among older people are falling.

A shocking 20% ​​of colorectal cancer cases in 2019 were detected in people younger than 55, up from 11% in 1995.

Alarmingly, this younger demographic tends to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease, making it more difficult to treat and cure, according to documents that expect colon cancer to cause about 53,000 deaths in the US this year.

However, there are six clear signs that young people should watch out for, with experts advising that they see a healthcare professional if they experience any of the following.

1. Rectal bleeding

Recent research found that the most common red flag for colorectal cancer in young people was rectal bleeding, with nearly half of those diagnosed reporting blood on their toilet paper or in their toilet.

Andrea Cercek, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, tells Self that for young people with colon cancer, tumors often develop in the last part of the colon or rectum. “Blood from those tumors has a shorter distance to travel, so it comes out bright red, whereas 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 treated and evaluated by a medical professional.

2. Changes in your bowel habits

Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, Florida, tells Self: “Often, a tumor in the colon or rectum—like a blockage in a tube—will change the way of stool. This could mean frequent constipation, diarrhea, or both. In other cases, people don’t feel ’empty’ after they go, or notice that their bowel movements look different than before (it’s tighter, for example.)”

Dr. Michael Cecchini, co-director of the colorectal program at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center and medical oncologist at the Yale Cancer Center, echoes this sentiment. He tells HuffPost that colon cancer patients often have very loose stools.

“This tends to happen if the tumors are present near the end of the colon or if they line the entire inside of the colon, which constricts any passing stool,” he explained. “When it exists, it’s very disturbing.”

3. Abdominal pain or cramps

Persistent abdominal pain, especially pain that coincides with mealtimes, is a possible symptom of colorectal cancer. However, this pain can easily, and far more often, be attributed to menstrual cramps, kidney stones, indigestion, heartburn, IBS or urinary tract infections.

How do you know when it’s time to go to the doctor?

Sonia Kupfer, MD, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic at the University of Chicago Medicine, tells Self: “If it’s abdominal pain that’s new or different from what you’ve experienced before, that’s a reason to see your doctor.”

4. Unexplained weight loss

Besides cancer symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset that can make it difficult to eat, Dr. Biachi says that colorectal tumors can release hormones that can seriously suppress your appetite.

In a recent study, 15% of young people reported loss of appetite four to six months before their diagnosis.

What amount of weight loss is a red flag for colon cancer? Losing 10 kilograms or 5% of body weight over a period of six months without effort is reason enough to seek a medical opinion.

Again, many conditions, including diabetes, IBD, celiac disease, and hyperthyroidism, can result in weight loss, but regardless of the cause, help should be sought.

5. Anemia

Bleeding from colorectal tumors can, over time, lead to anemia, a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.

The body needs iron to make red blood cells and to support energy production, immune response and cognitive function. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, cold hands and feet, hair loss, brittle nails, cognitive issues such as brain fog, decreased athletic performance, shortness of breath, junk food cravings, headaches, and sleep disturbances.

More than a third of women younger than 50 have insufficient amounts of iron.

If you are someone who is menstruating, anemia will often be attributed to a heavy period. However, if there are other symptoms, it may indicate colon cancer.

6. Extreme fatigue

Colon cancer, like many other cancers, coincides with feelings of total exhaustionn; approximately 8% of younger patients report symptoms of fatigue in the months before a diagnosis. The same tumor-generated hormones that disrupt appetite can deplete energy and contribute to overall illness.

Many young people with colorectal cancer are misdiagnosed with other things, such as hemorrhoids or IBS. Dr. Cercek urges patients to seek further evaluation if any of these symptoms are present. Medical professionals agree that performing a colonoscopy is key to catching colorectal cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Screening usually begins at age 45, but those experiencing symptoms and those with a family history of colon cancer may be eligible earlier.

“It is important to catch cancer early through screening or warning of some of these symptoms so that we can diagnose the cancer at an earlier stage where it is more treatable and hopefully curable,” says Dr Cecchini. “We still cure most people with this cancer every year.”