Colon cancer remains the third most common cancer in both men and women, as reported by the American Cancer Society. The risk of developing this disease increases with age, especially for those over 50. However, recent data indicate a rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults.
“Being young doesn’t mean you can’t have colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Tareq Kamal, a colorectal cancer surgeon at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center. “Even though it mostly occurs in older populations, this cancer can happen in adults below the age of 50.”
Last year, colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 years old. Medical professionals emphasize that everyone should be aware of colon cancer symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if they arise.
“Prognosis significantly improves if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Kamal stated. “Ignoring symptoms may allow colon cancer to progress, making it more challenging to treat.”
The colon—also called the large intestine or large bowel—is an essential part of digestion that absorbs water and moves digested food out of the body as stool. When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within its lining or that of the rectum, it results in colorectal cancer. Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together because they share similar biology and symptoms; however, treatment approaches can differ depending on tumor location.
“Colon and rectal cancer are grouped together as colorectal cancer because the tumors share similar biology and symptoms,” explained Dr. Kamal. “They’re also similar from a prevention and diagnostic standpoint. But treatment options differ depending on the location of the tumor. Rectal tumors are more complex to treat, so the treatment pathway after diagnosis can look different.”
While specific causes remain unclear, most colorectal cancers begin as polyps—abnormal growths in the lining of the colon or rectum—with adenomatous polyps posing a higher risk for developing into adenocarcinoma.
“Most colorectal cancers start as a polyp, which is an abnormal growth in the lining of the colon or the rectum,” said Dr. Kamal. “There are several types of polyps, but the kind we are most worried about are adenomatous polyps. These carry the risk of progressing to form a type of colon cancer known as adenocarcinoma.”
Risk factors include family history (especially first-degree relatives), advanced polyps history, chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diets high in red or processed meats, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
“The people with the highest risk are those who have a strong family history of colorectal cancer — a parent or sibling with this type of cancer,” added Dr. Kamal. “That said, anyone can get colorectal cancer, even a person who isn’t higher risk.”
Early detection is critical since initial stages often do not present noticeable symptoms.
“Colon cancer symptoms typically don’t start manifesting until the cancer is slightly more advanced,” noted Dr. Kamal. “Ideally, we detect cancer before this point.”
Colorectal screening guidelines recommend beginning routine colonoscopies at age 45 for individuals at average risk; those with additional risks may need earlier or more frequent screening.
“Screening helps us find and remove polyps before they become cancer, as well as detect colon cancer when it’s still in its earliest stages and easiest to treat,” added Dr. Kamal.
As tumors grow larger within either organ’s lining they may cause:
– Changes in bowel habits (such as frequency or consistency)
– Rectal bleeding
– Abdominal or pelvic pain
– Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms might result from other causes such as infection but persistent issues lasting over one to two months warrant medical evaluation.
“A symptom like blood in your stool is always abnormal and even if it happens once should warrant some kind of medical attention,” emphasized Dr.Kamal.”The majorityofthe time,freshbloodinthestoolisduetobenignanorectaldisease,suchashemorrhoids,butyouneverwanttopotentiallymissadiagnosissuchascolorectalcancer.”
He clarified there is no difference between signs experienced by men versus women:
“Abdominal pain is a nonspecific symptom meaning avarietyofmedicalconditionscancauseit.Butit’snotmorefrequentinwomenthanmen.Colorectalcancersymptomsarethesameforeveryoneanddon’tchangebasedongender.”
For persistent unexplained pain—particularly pelvic discomfort—or any concerning signs listed above regardlessofageorhealthstatus,Kamal urged prompt consultation:
“If you notice anyofthe signsofcolorectalcancer bringittoattentionofyourdoctor.Do not delay care evenifyou’reyoungerandotherwisehealthy.”
