Although colorectal cancer was once seen mainly in older adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in people under 50, raising alarms among experts about the need for early detection and attention to lifestyle factors.
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon, the longest section of the large intestine, and often starts as small growths known as polyps. While most polyps are benign, some can turn cancerous over time. Because polyps usually do not produce symptoms, medical experts stress the importance of regular screenings to detect and remove them early, preventing the disease before it develops.
The term colorectal cancer combines colon and rectal cancers, since both affect the large intestine, although rectal cancer originates specifically in the rectum.
12 common symptoms to watch for
Colorectal cancer may go unnoticed in its early stages, but as it progresses, signs can appear. Key symptoms include:
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in bowel habits, including size, shape, or frequency
- Urge to have a bowel movement when there is none
- Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
- Discomfort while sitting
- Abdominal pain or cramping, especially in the lower stomach
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Changes in appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in stool or after a bowel movement
- Excessive fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
Advanced colorectal cancer can metastasize to other parts of the body, producing additional symptoms depending on where the disease spreads.
Conditions that are similar to colorectal cancer
Not all these symptoms indicate cancer. Other conditions can produce similar signs, including:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Even if caused by another condition, these symptoms should never be ignored; early evaluation is critical.
Colorectal Cancer in the United States
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, with tens of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. While overall incidence has declined thanks to preventive screenings and lifestyle changes, early-onset cases, diagnosed in people under 50, are rising at an alarming rate.
Experts point to lifestyle and dietary factors as contributors, including excess body weight, sedentary habits, and diets high in red and processed meats. African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer rates among racial groups in the US, and a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps increases risk.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, and early detection significantly improves survival rates. Awareness of symptoms, combined with regular screenings, is essential.
Risk factors you can control
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Staying physically active
Risk factors you cannot control
- Age: More than three-quarters of cases occur in adults 55 and older, though younger adults are increasingly affected
- Race: African Americans are at higher risk
- Family history: Colorectal cancer or polyps in close relatives increase your risk
The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45. High-risk individuals may need earlier screenings.
The most common method is a colonoscopy, during which a camera examines the colon and rectum under anesthesia. Non-invasive options are also available, offering alternatives for those unable or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy.