There’s a spike in colon cancer among young people. Why?

A Jackson colorectal surgeon shares insights

By: Krysten Brenlla

Rectal bleeding, irregular bowel movements, and pain while going to the bathroom all point to serious concern regarding colon health. However, history has led younger people to think they shouldn’t worry since screenings and colonoscopies have always been recommended for older adults.

Unfortunately, most people with these symptoms will either ignore them or be misdiagnosed, leading to severe disease. Now, we are seeing younger generations suffering from colon disorders and colorectal cancer.

“As a surgeon, I see a lot of patients coming in and saying they have hemorrhoids, which is the main diagnosis they receive from their primary care physician,” said Marianna Zeichen, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon at Jackson South Medical Center. “They are suffering from symptoms like bright blood in the rectum, which is painless, but concerning. They tend to ignore these symptoms until it advances to something worse, like cancer.”

Why colorectal cancers are affecting younger generations compared to older adults

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the United States for both men and women. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and the fourth leading cause in women, with an expectation to cause approximately 53,000 deaths in 2024.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age to be screened for colorectal cancer is between 45 and 75, which has helped decrease cancer in adults older than 50. Although colorectal cancer in the U.S. is declining for these older groups, a study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported colorectal cancer rates have been rapidly increasing in younger adults by 1 to 2 percent since the 1980s.

Additionally, according to the same study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, millennials born in the early 1990s have twice the risk of colon cancer compared with people born in the 1950s. With rectal cancer, millennials have four times the risk compared to older adults.

“Cancer is associated with our habits. If you are smoking regularly, eating a bad diet, or are extremely sedentary, you increase your risk for cancers,” Dr. Zeichen said. “With younger people, we are seeing them become more and more sedentary, and many of them aren’t doing any physical activity. This, mixed in with bad diets, can increase the risk.”

Research shows younger age groups are consuming more processed foods and sugary beverages. Additionally, they’re binge drinking and smoking more. This, coupled with a decline in physical activity, is a recipe for disaster.

Yet, according to an article published by The New York Times, studies show genetic mutations may also be a factor for early-onset colorectal cancers. In fact, a study mentioned in the article from the National Library of Medicine suggests tumors in early-onset colorectal cancers may have different mutations causing the cancers, compared to tumors in older adults – and if you have an immediate family member who had colorectal cancer, it can increase your risk.

“Whenever you have rectal bleeding, it’s not normal,” Dr. Zeichen said. “It needs to be evaluated. It can be benign, related to hemorrhoids, or constipation – but any time someone has that symptom, they need to see their doctor for an evaluation.”

Symptoms and risk factors for colorectal cancer

In addition to rectal bleeding, Dr. Zeichen also mentioned people should look out for irregular bowel movements, pain while going to the bathroom, dramatic weight loss, or any lumps in the anus.

“If you see more and more symptoms, it’s usually advanced — patients reach a point where they are constantly bloated, nauseous, or unable to pass gas, which is extremely serious,” she said. “If any of these symptoms don’t go away, you need to request a specialist or a diagnostic colonoscopy.”

Recommendations for a healthier colon and gut

To avoid serious health risks and cancers, Dr. Zeichen recommends an active and healthy lifestyle – avoid fast food and drink plenty of water. She also recommends putting the phone away when it’s time to go to the bathroom.

“Being on your phone or reading while waiting for a bowel movement is the worst thing you can do. You go, do your job, and then come back out,” Dr. Zeichen said. “When you go, it should be soft stools – it should not look like pebbles or little balls – that’s how you test the health of your intestine. You should not bleed, and it should not hurt when you go.”

For more information on Jackson’s gastroenterology (digestive health) services, and to request an appointment, visit our website at https://medicalgroup.jacksonhealth.org/services/gastroenterology/ or call 305-585-4564.