Nobody knows why more people in their 40s and younger are getting colorectal cancer (CRC)…but since the 1990s, the rate has been rising fast. Among U.S. adults up to age 49, CRC is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second leading cause in women.
However, recommended preventive screenings typically don’t begin until age 45. That’s why it’s important to watch for early symptoms in your 20s, 30s and 40s.
Four Warning Signs of Early-Onset CRC
1. Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
2. Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
3. Diarrhea
4. Iron-deficiency anemia
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Don’t ignore the signs.
In many cases, people who have these symptoms do not have cancer. But you should talk to your doctor if you have any of them, so the cause can be identified and treated.
2. Talk to your doctor about your risk and when you should begin screening.
You may need to start screening at age 40, if you have a family history of CRC, certain genetic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, or unhealthy lifestyle habits.
3. Get recommended preventive screening beginning at age 45.
Colorectal cancer that’s found early through screening, before you have symptoms, may be treated more effectively. Screening may even prevent CRC by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths.