Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of deaths related to cancer for those under 50, this includes both men and women. The newest research shows s projection of158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2026, and cause approximately 55,230 deaths.
Doctors are now warning younger people, including generation Zers, Millennials, and Generation Xers, who range in age from their mid-20s to their late 50s, to know the warning signs of colorectal cancer.
“If anyone has any change in their bowel habits, if they have any bleeding—even if they think it’s a hemorrhoid, and it doesn’t go away—just get a colonoscopy,” according to Dr. Vikram Reddy, MD PhD
What can young people do to stay healthy? Yale Medicine warns people about the importance of talking to a doctor about any suspicious symptoms.
Young people—like everyone else—need to communicate with their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms.
Rectal bleeding: This includes blood coming from the rectum, or blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement.
Unusual stools: Watch for any changes in the way your stool looks. Keep an eye out for dark or black stools, which may indicate bleeding from a tumor. Talk to your doctor if you have stool that is narrow, thin or ribbon-like, which may signal that a tumor is obstructing your bowels or rectum.
Changes in bowel movements: Look for loose stool (diarrhea) or constipation (less than three bowel movements a week), especially if the changes last two weeks or more.
Low energy or tiredness: This could be due to anemia from blood loss. If you are a young woman with chronic anemia that you assume is due to menstrual bleeding, it’s a good idea to explore other causes as well.
If colorectal cancer is detected early, it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Preventative screening and testing help detect diseases and conditions in their early and most treatable stages. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.