Experts urge early screening as colorectal cancer rises in younger adults
Providers at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute are encouraging adults to be proactive about screening and aware of potential warning signs.
By Jessica Jones
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Colorectal cancer, once considered a disease primarily affecting older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people — a trend that is raising concern among cancer specialists nationwide. Providers at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) are encouraging adults to be proactive about screening and aware of potential warning signs.
According to Jamie Rich, CRNP, a nurse practitioner specializing in gastrointestinal cancer care at MCI, colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, routine screening plays a critical role in detecting the disease when it is most treatable.
“Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms until it becomes more advanced,” Rich said. “The goal of screening is to detect cancer early so we can treat it and achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Rich recently cared for a patient whose experience highlights the importance of screening. The patient underwent a routine colonoscopy despite having no symptoms and was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Because the cancer was detected through screening, she was able to receive treatment and is now cancer-free.
“She had no symptoms at all,” Rich said. “Today she is cured, and I truly believe screening saved her life. Early diagnosis is key to a cure and better outcomes.”
Health experts are also seeing colorectal cancer more frequently in adults under age 45. While the exact reasons for this trend are still being studied, Rich encourages younger adults to be aware of their personal risk factors and any concerning symptoms.
Knowing one’s family medical history is especially important. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to begin screening earlier than the standard recommended age of 45. Even without a family history, certain symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.
“These include changes in bowel habits, stools that become thin like ribbons, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain,” Rich said. “If something feels different or new, it’s important to get it checked out.”
Lifestyle choices can also play a role in prevention. Rich recommends limiting alcohol and heavily processed foods, following a Mediterranean-style diet, reducing red meat consumption to no more than three servings per week, and engaging in regular physical activity. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise each week.
When it comes to screening, several options are available. Stool-based screening tests allow patients to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for blood or cancer-related DNA. While these tests can help detect potential concerns, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.
A colonoscopy not only allows physicians to detect cancer but can also prevent it by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
“The best first step is to talk with your primary care provider,” Rich said. “They can help determine which screening option is most appropriate based on your age, family history and overall health.”
As rates of colorectal cancer continue to rise among younger adults, providers emphasize that awareness, healthy lifestyle choices and timely screening remain some of the most effective tools for reducing risk and improving outcomes.
