Colon Cancer Before 50: Symptoms to Watch For and When to Seek Help
If you’re still in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, you may not think colon cancer is something to worry about just yet.
Unfortunately, this disease is no longer just a concern for those over the age of 50.
Colon cancer diagnoses among younger adults have risen at alarming rates over the past decade. Globally, cases in individuals under 50 have surged, with incidence rates in the U.S. nearly doubling since the 1990s.
This is a puzzling trend, especially since global colon cancer rates have actually declined. In fact, older adults are now less likely to progress to advanced stages of colon cancer compared to their younger counterparts.
As colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Singapore, it’s vital that younger adults learn to recognise early warning signs, understand the risk factors, and prioritise cancer screenings for early detection and timely treatment.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine and typically appears in the form of polyps or small growths of cells on the inner lining of the colon. While not all polyps become cancerous, uncontrolled cell growth can lead to the formation of cancerous tumours over time.
If polyps are found in the precancerous stage, doctors can remove them before they become life-threatening. However, if undetected and left untreated, colon cancer can spread to the rectum or break through the colon wall to affect other organs such as the liver.
Between 2017 and 2021, colon and colorectal cancers were the second most common cancer diagnoses for both men and women in Singapore. While it typically affects older adults, more and more younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease.
Why are Colon Cancer Cases on the Rise in Younger Adults?
The prevalence of colon cancer among adults younger than 50 has been increasing all over the world, including in Singapore. This age group comprises millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012.
Several factors are believed to contribute to the rising rates of colon cancer in this demographic:
- Lifestyle
More sedentary jobs and a lack of physical activity can contribute to a higher risk of colon cancer.
Smoking and drinking alcohol also leave you at greater risk of developing colon cancer. While alcohol damages the gut lining, smoking increases the likelihood of developing polyps in the colon. Both habits are linked to different types of cancers, including colon cancer.
- Diet
Diet has been identified as a primary risk factor for colon cancer among millennials and Gen Z. These younger adults tend to consume more high-fat, low-fibre, and processed foods, which are all linked to higher incidences of colon cancer.
In particular, low fiber intake can lead to chronic inflammation in the intestines and disrupt gut bacteria balance, conditions which heighten the risk of cancer development.
- Genetic Factors and Family History
Certain inherited genetic mutations can make one more likely to develop colon cancer. For example, Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition which prevents the body from repairing damaged DNA, leaving the individual more vulnerable to developing cancer cells, which are cells that grow rapidly and uncontrollably.
However, experts are not yet sure of the direct link between genetic mutations and colon cancer.
On the other hand, family history is one of the strongest predictors of colon cancer risk. Statistics show that 1 in 3 people diagnosed with colon cancer have a first-degree relative—a parent, sibling, or child—who has previously had the disease.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Those with IBDs such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are at higher risk for gastrointestinal cancers, especially colon cancer. IBD refers to a group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to the development of cancer over time.
Additionally, many IBD symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, can overlap with early signs of colon cancer, making early detection even more essential for those with these conditions.
All these risk factors are compounded by the fact that colon cancer screenings are primarily recommended for older adults, often resulting in the disease going undetected in younger people until it has reached an advanced stage.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer: Signs Younger Adults Should Look Out For
While there are no specific symptoms that signal the onset of colon cancer in younger adults, it’s important to stay aware.
Many millennials and Gen Z individuals may dismiss warning signs, assuming they are minor issues or symptoms of other, less serious conditions.
Moreover, most people develop colon cancer without displaying any symptoms in the early stages. Once colon cancer symptoms appear, the disease may have already progressed to more advanced stages.
Symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Abdominal pain that does not go away.
- Rectal bleeding, or blood in the stool, whether visible in the toilet or on toilet paper when you wipe.
- Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than 2 weeks for no apparent cause.
- Feeling fatigued or experiencing shortness of breath. These are signs of anaemia, which can occur when a tumour begins to bleed and reduces the amount of red blood cells in the body.
- Losing weight unintentionally, without any changes in diet, exercise, or other lifestyle habits.
- A bloated stomach that persists for more than a week, or bloating accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting.
If you experience any of the above symptoms or believe you may be at risk for colon cancer, it’s crucial to consult your doctor immediately. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate cancer screening tests if necessary.
Even if it turns out to not be colon cancer, identifying the cause of your symptoms early can help detect other underlying health issues and ensure effective treatment.
The Importance of Early Detection for Colon Cancer
Thanks to medical advancements, colon cancer can be detected early and treated effectively. When colon cancer is found in early stages before it has spread, its 5-year survival rate is as high as 90%.
Despite this, colon cancer often goes undetected in younger adults because many assume they are not yet at risk. However, ignoring early warning signs can lead to delayed diagnosis and more advanced disease, requiring more complex and costly treatment.
It’s crucial to pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if you experience any persistent symptoms. What may seem like minor digestive issues could be an early indicator of something more serious.
Colon Cancer Screening Methods
Following the growing incidence of colon cancer cases among younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age for colon cancer screenings to 45. However, if you have personal risk factors, you should consider getting screened even earlier.
Some tests your doctor may run to screen you for colon cancer are:
- Stool Tests
Tests like the guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) help doctors detect any traces of blood in the stool, which can signal the presence of colon cancer.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A short, flexible, lighted tube will be inserted into your rectum to check for polyps or signs of cancer that may be developing in the rectal area and the lower third of the colon.
- Colonoscopy
This procedure is a more comprehensive version of the flexible sigmoidoscopy. It enables your doctor to examine the entire colon and rectum for polyps and cancerous cells. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove most polyps and even some early-stage cancers if any abnormalities are detected.
At International Cancer Specialists (ICS), we offer a full cancer-focused health screening in Singapore, which includes a full selection of blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopies, and more.
Our dedicated oncology specialists can provide early detection, ensure accurate diagnosis, and give you a detailed medical consultation for peace of mind.
How Younger Adults Can Reduce Their Risk of Colon Cancer
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Research has found that regular exercise can reduce one’s risk of cancer by up to 24%.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and plenty of fibre from foods like whole grains and fruits.
Consuming a minimum of 30g of fibre per day can lower the risk of developing colon cancer, as fibre can help you maintain regular bowel movements and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Reduce alcohol intake and avoid smoking. If you already smoke, quitting is one of the most beneficial things you can do for good colon health.
Quitting smoking not only reduces your likelihood of getting colon cancer but also prevents the development of other gut-related conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- Schedule a screening for early detection of potential issues, even if you have no symptoms or are still under the age of 50.
Regular colon cancer screenings can help identify precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer when it is most treatable. Taking a proactive approach to your health can significantly improve outcomes and provide peace of mind.
Take Charge of Your Colon Health: Stay Informed, Stay Proactive, Stay Prepared
While the risk of colon cancer in younger people may seem alarming, the good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
By staying informed, recognising symptoms, and seeking medical advice when needed, you can monitor your colon health and improve your chances of potential early diagnosis and successful treatment.
At International Cancer Specialists, we understand the fears and uncertainties that come with any health issue. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate care, expert guidance, and the support you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Whether you need a screening, medical consultation, or more information from oncology experts in Singapore, our team of trusted, compassionate professionals is here to guide you through the process.
Put your health first and schedule a screening or consultation with us today.
We also offer teleconsultation services so that you can receive expert medical advice and guidance anywhere and anytime.
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