Why millennials should know colon cancer symptoms

By Deb Balzer

More younger adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer  — also known as colorectal cancer — and at more advanced stages of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. It's a trend experts have seen over the last decade.

Colon cancer symptoms usually don't appear in early stages of the disease and when they do, they are often at an advanced stage. Johanna Chan, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, says it's important to recognize colon cancer symptoms and to seek medical attention if you experience them. Watch this video to hear Dr. Chan explain:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend patients of average risk start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45.

"Colon cancer is an incredibly common cancer, routinely one of the top five causes of cancer annually. And really anyone is at risk, at any age," says Dr. Chan.

She says that age is more often under 55.

"We are seeing younger patients present with colon cancer. And unfortunately, they also tend to present at a more advanced stage," says Dr. Chan.

Ongoing stomach discomfort and unexplained weight loss can be colon cancer symptoms.

"In fact, a lot of the warning symptoms such as rectal bleeding, anemia, change in bowel habits, these are very common symptoms that happen across all ranges of age groups," Dr. Chan says.

Most young healthy patients with rectal bleeding won't have colon cancer.

"It's still on the possible list of diagnoses. And it's really important that young patients seek care for any of these symptoms that occur," says Dr. Chan.

Many colon cancer symptoms may be symptoms of other health issues. Talk with your health care team to find out the cause of the problem.

Alaska Native, American Indian and African Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than people of other races, according to the American Cancer Society.

Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

• Family history
• Bowel disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Environmental exposures like smoking or heavy alcohol use

Dr. Chan says certain specific factors such as family history may require a more individualized approach for colorectal cancer screening. She encourages patients to talk to their health care team to make sure they are individualizing recommendations for them.

Learn more

Learn more about colon cancer.

Also, read these articles:

• "Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?"
• "Dear Mayo Clinic: Treating colon cancer"
• "Colorectal cancer myths and facts"
• "Answers to 4 questions about colorectal cancer treatment and survivorship"

A version of this article was originally published on the Mayo Clinic News Network.