Colon Cancer: The Silent Surge

It’s Time to Talk About Colon Cancer

The face of Colon Cancer is getting younger, but with proper screenings, the prognosis is positive. The number of patients diagnosed under 50 has surged over the last 15 years, and while medical experts are still piecing together why awareness matters more than ever.  In 2021, the UPSTF (U.S. Preventative Services Task Forces) issued a new recommendation for colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies.  They moved the original recommended age of 50 to 45.

What Is Colon Cancer, Anyway?

Colon cancer, or more broadly colorectal cancer when including rectal cancer, develops in the large intestine or rectum. According to an article by UCLA Health, it is now the third most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined [1]. It typically begins as small, benign polyps that can turn cancerous over time if left undetected.

The good news? It is highly treatable when caught early. The survival rate for stage 1 colorectal cancer is around 90% [2] The problem? It’s sneaky. Symptoms such as:
✔ Blood in stool
✔ Unexplained fatigue
✔ Changes in bowel habits
✔ Persistent abdominal discomfort

…often don’t appear until the cancer has progressed, earning colon cancer the nickname "the silent killer.”

The Shocking Surge Among Millennials and Gen Z

Here’s where things get alarming. Colorectal cancer rates have skyrocketed among adults under 50.

🔹 A 50% increase in cases among people aged 20-49 since the 1990s [3]
🔹 According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2024, it is the #1 cause of cancer death for men under 50 in the U.S.
🔹And #2 cause of cancer death for women under 50 (behind breast cancer)

Historically, colon cancer was something to worry about in your 60s or later. Not anymore. Experts at Yale Medicine say this surge could be linked to lifestyle and environmental changes, such as:

✔ Increased consumption of processed foods
✔ Possible exposure to microplastics
✔ More sedentary lifestyles
✔ Disruptions in gut microbiomes

While genetics play a role, the rapid rise suggests that modern environmental factors may be a more significant driver of this trend.

Awareness Is Our Best Weapon

Colon cancer is not a death sentence if it’s caught early. That’s why awareness and screening are essential.  According to Dr. Kokooy-Mondragon “a colonoscopy is not only a great preventative but also a therapeutic tool. It can remove precancerous polyps before they have a chance to grow into cancer.”

TOP TIPS TO REMEMBER:

🚨 Screening guidelines now recommend starting at age 45—not 50.
🚨 People with a family history may need screening even earlier.

And yes, getting a colonoscopy (a.k.a. “the butt camera”) is the gold standard for screening for colorectal cancer. If you are still feeling squeamish less invasive tests are available but do not 100% replace getting a colonoscopy. At-home stool tests are a first-line screening option by detecting blood or DNA changes with highly accurate results.

Who’s at Risk? Colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors raise the risk:

✔ Family history: A first-degree relative (parent, sibling) with colon cancer doubles your risk [5].
✔ Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fiber.
✔ Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
✔ Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis).
✔ Sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
✔ Disruptions in gut microbiota (your “good” bacteria balance).

Let’s Get Proactive!

Colon cancer is on the rise, but we aren’t helpless. Here’s what you can do:

✅ Destigmatize the poop convo. Stop avoiding talking about your gut health!
✅ Screen early. If you’re 45+, book that colonoscopy. Do you have a family history? Talk to your doctor about getting checked even sooner.
✅ Make minor lifestyle tweaks. More fiber, fewer processed foods, no smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake and movement throughout the day go a long way.
✅ Listen to your gut (literally). Don’t ignore persistent changes in your bowel habits.

Next time you shrug off a weird bathroom moment, think twice. It’s not about fear—it’s about power. Knowing your risk and taking action can save lives. It is time to collaborate with your colon😊.

Sources & Further Reading

Sources & Further Reading for "Colon Cancer: The Silent Surge"

1️ Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have changed to address rise in cases among younger adults 🔗
(Overview of colorectal cancer, screening guidelines, and advocacy efforts.)

2️ Yale Medicine – Colorectal Cancer Surge in Young Adults 🔗
(Discussion on the rise of colorectal cancer in people under 50, potential causes, and risk factors.)

3️ American Cancer Society – Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 🔗 (Statistics on colorectal cancer incidence, survival rates, and screening recommendations.)

4️ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Colorectal Cancer Screening 🔗
(Official CDC guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and risk factors.)

5️ National Cancer Institute – Colorectal Cancer Trends & Early Detection 🔗 (Epidemiological data on colorectal cancer, survival rates, and trends in young adults.)