Colon cancer has long been thought of as a disease that affects older adults, but that’s no longer the case. The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has been rising rapidly, with more young people being diagnosed in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined.

Because younger people aren’t typically screened for colon cancer, their diagnoses often come at later stages when treatment is more challenging. Colorectal cancer screening is key, but awareness of early symptoms is just as important. If you know what to watch for, you can catch potential warning signs early and seek medical care before it’s too late.

The Rising Cases of Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Not too long ago, colon cancer was mostly considered a disease of aging. But in recent years, there’s been a startling rise in cases among younger adults—those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. In fact, studies show that colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have nearly doubled over the past few decades. Even more concerning? Many of these cases are being diagnosed at later stages, making treatment more difficult.

So, what’s causing this shift? Researchers are still trying to pinpoint the exact reasons, but several factors seem to be at play. One major concern is diet and lifestyle changes. The modern Western diet—high in processed foods, red meats, and low in fiber—has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Sedentary habits, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use also play a role. On top of that, environmental factors and gut microbiome changes (the balance of bacteria in your intestines) are being investigated as possible contributors.

But here’s the tricky part: Many young adults don’t consider themselves at risk, and neither do some doctors. Because colon cancer has traditionally been associated with older adults, symptoms in younger patients are often misdiagnosed as less serious conditions like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or just “something you ate.” This delay in diagnosis allows the cancer to progress, making treatment more aggressive and outcomes less favorable.

The good news? Awareness is growing, and screening guidelines are changing. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45 instead of 50. But even that may not be soon enough for some people, especially those with risk factors or concerning symptoms.

That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for. Up next, we’ll go over the most common symptoms of colon cancer in young adults—ones that should never be ignored.

Symptoms to Watch for in Young Adults

Colon cancer doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs, which is why it’s often caught late—especially in younger adults. Many people assume their symptoms are due to stress, diet, or minor digestive issues, but certain changes in your body shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some of the biggest red flags:

1. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits

If your digestion suddenly seems “off” and it stays that way for weeks, take note. This could mean:

  • Unexplained diarrhea or constipation that lasts longer than normal.
  • Narrow or pencil-thin stools (which could indicate a blockage).
  • A feeling of incomplete bowel movements, even after going to the bathroom.

While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions like IBS, it’s worth getting checked if they don’t go away.

2. Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding

Seeing blood in your stool—even just a little—is not normal. While hemorrhoids can sometimes cause rectal bleeding, dark or bright red blood in your stool could signal something more serious like a polyp or tumor. If this happens more than once, it’s time to call your doctor.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without diet or exercise changes can be a red flag for various types of cancers, including colon and breast cancer. If you’re dropping pounds without changing your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign that your body is fighting something more serious.

4. Ongoing Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

Cramping, bloating, or persistent discomfort in your stomach that doesn’t go away could be another warning sign. Some patients report dull aches, sharp pains, or a feeling of fullness, even when they haven’t eaten much.

5. Fatigue and Weakness

We all get tired, but cancer-related fatigue is different—it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t go away, no matter how much rest you get. If you constantly feel drained and weak, it could be linked to iron-deficiency anemia, which often occurs when there’s slow, hidden bleeding in the colon.

6. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Speaking of anemia, low iron levels—especially in younger adults who don’t have another explanation for it—can be a silent warning sign of internal bleeding from colon cancer. If your doctor diagnoses you with anemia, make sure they also check for possible underlying causes.

Why These Symptoms Get Overlooked in Young Adults

A big reason colon cancer is diagnosed late in younger patients is that these symptoms often get misattributed to something less serious. Many people assume digestive issues are just stress-related, due to a bad diet, or linked to common conditions like IBS. Even doctors sometimes dismiss symptoms in younger patients because colon cancer has traditionally been seen as an “older person’s disease.”

But here’s the reality: If something feels off and your symptoms aren’t going away, you should push for answers. Early detection can make all the difference, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

Some people are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The good news? Many of these risks can be reduced with the right choices. Let’s break it down.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Family History and Genetics

  • If a parent, sibling, or close family member has had colon cancer or polyps, your risk is significantly higher.
  • Certain genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) increase the chances of early-onset colon cancer.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Diets high in processed meats, red meats, and low in fiber have been linked to higher colon cancer rates.
  • A lack of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can impact gut health and increase inflammation.

Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle

  • Being overweight or inactive raises the risk of many cancers, including colon cancer.
  • Sitting for long periods, not exercising, and leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor digestive health.

Smoking and Heavy Alcohol Use

  • Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption have been linked to colon and rectal cancer.
  • Drinking excessive alcohol (more than two drinks per day for men and one for women) also raises the risk.

Chronic Conditions and Gut Health

People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk.

Gut microbiome imbalances (changes in good vs. bad bacteria in your intestines) could also play a role, though research is still ongoing.

How to Lower Your Risk

While you can’t change your genetics, you can take action to lower your chances of developing colon cancer. Here’s what helps:

✔ Eat More Fiber & Whole Foods – Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes to improve digestion and support gut health.

✔ Limit Processed and Red Meat – Reduce consumption of processed foods, fast food, and high-fat meats like bacon and sausage.

✔ Stay Active – Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week to help maintain a healthy weight and keep your digestive system moving.

✔ Don’t Ignore Symptoms – If something feels off with your digestion, don’t wait—get checked. Early detection saves lives.

✔ Know Your Family History – If colon cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about early screening options.

✔ Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol – If you smoke, quitting will reduce your cancer risk. Limiting alcohol can also make a big difference.

✔ Get Screened Sooner – Even if you’re under 45, screening may be necessary if you have a family history, persistent symptoms, or other risk factors.

Cancer prevention starts with awareness. By making small lifestyle changes and getting screened, you can significantly lower your chances of developing colon and rectal cancer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Many young adults put off going to the doctor, whether it’s because of a busy schedule, fear of bad news, or just assuming symptoms will go away on their own. But when it comes to colon cancer, early detection can make all the difference. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve covered, it’s time to take action.

  • Blood in your stool or persistent rectal bleeding.
  • Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools) lasting more than a few weeks.
  • Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
  • Chronic bloating, stomach pain, or cramping.
  • Ongoing fatigue, weakness, or iron-deficiency anemia.

Even if you’re at average risk, screening can prevent cancer before it starts by detecting polyps early. Many young adults with colon cancer are misdiagnosed with IBS, hemorrhoids, or stress-related digestive issues—so if your symptoms persist, push for further testing.

Take Control of Your Health – Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to get checked. Even if you’re young, colon cancer is still a possibility, and catching it early could save your life.

Whether you have symptoms, a family history of colon cancer, or just want to be proactive about your health, a colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and prevent colon cancer. At Premier Family Medical, our team is here to provide expert care and help you take charge of your well-being.

Book your colonoscopy today at Premier Family Medical and get the peace of mind you deserve.