Rising Colon Cancerโฃ Rates Prompt Gastroenterologist to Detail Early Warning Signs for Younger adults
New York, NY – December 5, 2025 – A growing incidence ofโค colon cancer diagnoses among individuals in their 30s is prompting medical professionals to emphasize the importance ofโ recognizing earlyโข symptoms. While historically considered a disease affecting older populations,a concerning trendโ reveals increasing โฃcases in younger adults,necessitating heightened awareness adn proactive screening.
Colon cancer, โคalso known as โขcolorectal cancer, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with approximately 150,000 new cases expected in 2025, accordingโฃ to the American Cancer Society. The shift towards younger patients is attributed to factors including dietary habits,lifestyle choices,and potentially,unidentified genetic predispositions.โข Early detection remains critical, as treatment is most effective when the cancer is localized.
Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, outlines four key symptomsโ individuals in their 30s shoudl not ignore. “We’re seeing a disturbing rise in โฃearly-onset colorectal โขcancer, and recognizing these signs could be life-saving,” โDr. Sharma stated. โ”Often, these symptoms are dismissedโค as minor digestive โissues, but โฃpersistentโฃ changes warrant immediate medical evaluation.”
The first sign is aโฃ persistent change โin โฃbowel habits, including โdiarrhea, constipation,โ or a shift in stool consistency lasting longer than a โfew days. Secondly, rectal bleeding โฃ or blood in the stool, evenโฃ in small amounts, should never be โignored. โขDr. Sharma emphasizes that while hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, โคit’s crucial โขto rule out more seriousโค causes. The thirdโค symptom is abdominal discomfort,โข such as cramping, gas, orโ pain, that doesn’t subside. unexplained weight loss coupled with any of theโ above symptoms is โคa significant red flag.
Individuals โขexperiencing these symptoms are urged to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough โevaluation, which may include a colonoscopy. Regular screenings, beginning at age 45 for individuals with average risk, are now recommended by the American โคCancer Society. Those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors should discuss earlier and more frequent screenings with their โคhealthcare provider.