Colon cancer rates are on the rise in people under age 50, but don’t let those statistics fool you. It’s important for older adults to get screened and to know the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Dr. Alka Hudson is a gastroenterologist with Lawrence GI Consultants. She said that while we hear more about breast and lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women in the United States.

“Colon cancer isn’t an uncommon cancer. The lifetime risk of developing the disease is one in 23 for men and one in 25 for women,” she said.

These numbers continue to rise in people younger than age 50. Data from the National Cancer Database shows a 15% increase in colon cancer diagnoses in people ages 18-50 since 2004. By comparison, there was only a 3% rise in colon cancer diagnoses for peoples ages 45-55.

This information prompted a change by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2021 to recommend that individuals at average risk begin colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50.

“Statistics that came out in January 2024 show that in people under 50, colon cancer is now a primary cause of death in men and second in women,” Hudson said. “So the question became, ‘What do we do with this information?’ Modeling studies showed that if we begin to screen earlier, we detect polyps and lesions earlier. Why wouldn’t we do that?”

If you’re age 76 or older, there’s an increased risk of complications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if a colonoscopy is appropriate for you.

“Complications from anesthesia and an increased risk of perforation and bleeding are risks, but it’s an individualized decision. Colonoscopy can be appropriate for people between age 76 and 85 who are in good health, have a life expectancy greater than 10 years or are at higher risk for colon cancer,” Hudson said.

“People often think if they don’t have symptoms, they don’t need to be screened. That’s just not the case.”

Colonoscopy is the most thorough screening tool for prevention and early detection of the disease. It allows your doctor to spot early warning signs and remove polyps before they turn into colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, common signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

• Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black

• Cramping or abdominal pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

Anemia can also be an indicator that something isn’t quite right with your system. Many people have their blood counts checked as part of their yearly physical. If you’re suddenly anemic, especially anemic with iron deficiency, that may be a sign of something that needs to be checked out.

“If you notice symptoms, it’s important to be an advocate for yourself. Be vigilant and talk with your doctor,” Hudson urged.

What you can’t control

There are a number of possible risk factors for developing colon cancer, some that you can control and others that you can’t.

Unless you have a magic wand, controlling your age, genetics and family history of cancer are factors that you can’t change. Most colon cancers occur after age 50. Certain conditions can also raise your risk, such as ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as having a close family member who has had colon cancer.

Race can also play a factor. The American Cancer Society reports that Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colon cancer and 40% more likely to die from the disease. While there isn’t a specific study that explains those disparities, Hudson said that factors like social determinants of health, access to healthcare and biologic factors all play a factor.

“We see a higher proportion of individuals in the Black community who might not have insurance. That can reduce access to getting a colonoscopy or, if you’re having symptoms, reduce your ability to be seen by a physician and referred for a colonoscopy,” she explained. “When patients present, their disease might be more advanced and that can lead to worse outcomes.”

Hudson said Black patients also have a higher prevalence of aggressive tumors, including right-sided colon cancer. The risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are also higher, which can add to an increased risk of cancer.

What you can do

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Getting screened, advocating for yourself and taking control of your health are important steps to staying healthy. Make sure to:

• Get regular physical activity

• Eat whole foods, including whole grains and vegetables

• Limit intake of red and processed meats

• Limit excess alcohol

• Stop smoking

“We want to prevent, treat and beat colon cancer. Prevent it with regular screenings — get your colonoscopy. If you detect disease early, we can treat it,” Hudson said. “The way to beat it is to prevent it. Lead a healthy lifestyle, make sure you’re paying attention to your symptoms and get screenings. You have the power to reduce your risk by following those steps.”

— Autumn Bishop is the marketing manager at LMH Health, which is a sponsor of the Lawrence Journal-World health section.