Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is rising at an alarming rate among young adults. In the United States, about 10% of cases occur in people under 50, called “early onset,” with rates increasing each year. Researchers are still uncovering the reasons behind this trend. Colon cancer is already the deadliest cancer among young men and the second among young women. By 2030, it could become the leading cause of cancer deaths for people ages 20-49. With more than 150,000 Americans diagnosed each year, raising awareness during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March is crucial to highlight the importance of screening for colon cancer.

Due to increasing cases, screening guidelines now recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50 to help detect the disease early when it is most treatable.

What Is Colon Cancer?

The colon plays a vital role in digestion, absorbing water and nutrients before waste enters the rectum. Sometimes, small growths called polyps form on the colon’s inner lining. While most are harmless, some can turn cancerous over time. The slow progression of colon cancer makes regular screening essential, as it can detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer. Unlike many other cancers, colon cancer is often preventable and highly treatable when caught early.

What Are the Signs of Early-Onset Colon Cancer?

Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia are key warning signs of early-onset colon cancer. A study found that having just one of these symptoms nearly doubles the risk of diagnosis while having three or more increases the risk sixfold. These symptoms can appear months or even years before diagnosis, making it crucial for younger adults who experience these symptoms to seek immediate medical care. Experts believe the rise in early-onset colon cancer is linked to multiple factors, which include the following:

• Unhealthy diets
• Obesity
• Environmental chemicals
• Antibiotic use
• Alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyles

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How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

A colonoscopy requires preparation the day before the procedure. The day of the procedure is about a 2-3 hour commitment including intake and recovery. During the 30-60 minute procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon, remove polyps and take tissue samples if needed. Most patients are under sedation or anesthesia, so they do not feel anything and often sleep through it. As the gold standard for colon cancer screening, a colonoscopy helps detect and prevent cancer in a single procedure.

If you are concerned about colon cancer, have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps or have colon cancer symptoms, please do not wait too long to get medical care. We're here for you, always.