Colon cancer is often considered a disease of older adults, but recent trends show a troubling rise in cases among younger people, including those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. According to Yale Medicine, the number of colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under 50 has been steadily increasing, prompting experts to urge younger generations to be vigilant about their health. Here are four early signs of colon cancer to watch out for, especially important for Millennials and Gen Zers.
1. Abdominal Pain
Persistent abdominal pain can be a signal that something is wrong. This pain might be sharp, dull, or cramp-like and can vary in intensity. While it could result from various less-serious conditions, such as indigestion or gas, ongoing pain that doesn't subside is a reason to see your doctor.
2. Persistent Diarrhea
Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or recurs frequently without a clear cause could be a symptom of colon cancer. While diarrhea is a common issue that can result from infections, food intolerances, or other less severe conditions, ongoing or unexplained diarrhea should prompt further medical investigation.
3. Rectal Bleeding
Noticing blood in your stool or on toilet paper is a cause for concern. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of hemorrhoids, but it can also indicate something more serious like colon cancer. Bright red blood often suggests bleeding from the lower colon or rectum, whereas darker blood can be a sign of bleeding higher up in the colon.
4. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In the context of colon cancer, anemia is often caused by chronic blood loss from the tumor. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
The Importance of Early Detection
Recent research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shows that these symptoms can appear up to two years before a diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer. The study found that individuals with one or more of these symptoms had a significantly higher risk of developing colon cancer.
The more symptoms a person had, the higher their risk of colorectal cancer: having one symptom nearly doubled the risk, two symptoms increased the risk by more than 3.5 times, and three or more symptoms raised the risk by more than 6.5 times.
Don't Ignore the Signs
Younger individuals often dismiss these symptoms, attributing them to less serious conditions like hemorrhoids or stress. However, ignoring these signs can lead to late-stage diagnoses, which are harder to treat. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Awareness and Action
It's not just individuals who need to be aware of these symptoms. Healthcare providers also need to recognize them, too. Often, younger patients are diagnosed in emergency rooms after significant delays, highlighting the need for better awareness among primary care doctors and gastroenterologists.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger people, making awareness of the early signs more vital than ever. Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia are key symptoms to watch out for. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don't wait—consult a healthcare professional. Early action can lead to early detection, which is essential for effective treatment.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and remember that paying attention to your body's signals can make all the difference.
