Colorectal cancer is killing more young people: These are the signs you should get checked

   Colorectal cancer is back in the news after the deaths of actors Catherine O’Hara, 71, and James Van Der Beek, who was just 48 years old. Colorectal cancer, which includes colon and rectal cancers, kills many people every year – an estimated 55,000 Americans annually.

It’s a growing concern for young people, too. Colorectal cancer now has the highest mortality rate of any cancer among people under 50 in the United States, a study conducted by researchers with the American Cancer Society found.

Colorectal cancer

Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, the study’s senior author, said the findings show “it is clear that this can no longer be called an old person’s disease.”

What are the signs of colorectal cancer and who should get checked?

One of the best ways to prevent death by colon or rectal cancer is to catch it early. People may have polyps or cancerous masses without knowing it, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Change in bowel movement patterns
Blood in stool
Diarrhea, constipation, or the feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way
Persistent abdominal pain or cramps
Unexplained weight loss

All these symptoms could be caused by something other than cancer, the CDC emphasizes, but you should bring concerns to your doctor and consider getting screened.

Most people will start screening at 45, thanks to a recent change that shifted up the recommended age from 50. Health experts are hopeful the change will help catch precancerous polyps in the early stages, so they can be removed before turning into cancer.

People with certain conditions should consider getting screened even sooner. That includes people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a genetic condition that puts them at higher risk.

Why are colorectal cancer deaths on the rise?

Health experts are still trying to understand why colorectal cancer cases and deaths are rising, especially among those under 50.

“This rapid increase is especially puzzling because the rate of colorectal cancer has plummeted among older adults—largely due to regular colonoscopies and lower rates of smoking,” write the National Cancer Institute.

Some risk factors have been identified, including smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, says the Institute.
Colorectal cancer
This echoes previous findings from the American Cancer Society, as well as the opinions of medical experts who attribute at least some instances of colon cancer in young adults to “diet, decreased exercise and poor lifestyle choices like increased smoking or drinking,” Dr. Dana Hayden, a colon and rectal surgery specialist with UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, said in 2023.

“But there are definitely some other factors that could be related to genetics, that could be related to tumor biology,” said Hayden said. “So we are trying to work very quickly to figure this out.”

Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.