Too Young for This Sh*t

Most people think that colorectal cancer affects only older adults—but today, more adults under age 45 are being diagnosed than ever before.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than age 50 has doubled since the 1990s. NCI estimates that by 2030, approximately one in 10 colon cancers and one in four rectal cancers will be diagnosed in people under age 50.

Get the facts

People under age 50 who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are more likely to:

• Be diagnosed at a later stage (when the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat)
• Have to see two or more doctors before getting diagnosed
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer.

It’s important for all adults to learn about colorectal cancer prevention, early detection and the signs and symptoms of the disease—even if you think you’re too young for this sh*t. It’s up to you to advocate for your health.

Understand the symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help you recognize any changes in your body that could be caused by cancer. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms (especially at first), but symptoms may include:

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in or on the stool.
• Change in bowel movements that lasts more than a few days.
• Stools that are more narrow than usual.
• General abdominal problems such as bloating, fullness or cramps.
• Diarrhea, bleeding or constipation or a feeling in the rectum that the bowel movement is not quite complete.
• Weight loss for no apparent reason.
• Feeling very tired all the time.
• Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your health care provider. You know your body best—so don’t be afraid to advocate for your health!

Know your risk

Your risk for colorectal cancer DOES increase as you age, but there are also other risk factors:

• Being overweight or obese
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Eating a diet high in red or processed meats
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol in excess

Your health history can also increase your risk, including having a personal or family history of:

• Colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps (growths)
• Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

Or a personal history of:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

If you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier or more often than the average person—talk to your health care provider.

Routine screening–when you have NO signs or symptoms–now begins at age 45 (down from 50). When you turn 45, it’s time to check your health. Early Detection = Better Outcomes.

When it comes to colorectal cancer screening, you have options. Talk with your health care provider about the best screening test for you.

*An abnormal result of a virtual colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, a positive FOBT, FIT or sDNA test should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.

Page references:

• American Cancer Society (ACS). (2018) “Colon Cancer Cases Rising Among Young Adults.”
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) “What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?”
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) “What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?”
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance. (2019) 2018 Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Survey.