Rates of colorectal cancer are rising among young people.
Don’t ignore these red flags.
Its beenfrequently reportedthat colorectalcancer ratesare increasing in young people in the United States.
Heres when you may want to consider it:
You have blood in your stool.
Carole Macaron, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic.
You have persistent bowel changes.
Ness noted that persistent constipation is another warning sign.
You are experiencing sudden abdominal pain or weight loss.
According to Macaron, unexplained abdominal pain can also be cause for concern.
Its important to know that the discomfort will vary depending on the persons perception and pain tolerance.
You have a family history of colon cancer.
If your parents or siblings had large polyps, you should also be screened at 40, Ness said.
And in doing so, we are reducing the colorectal cancer risk going forward.
You have iron deficiency anemia, inflammatory bowel disease or a history of certain cancers.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease, youll want to get a colonoscopy before age 45, as well.
There are other medical conditions as well.
If you have a personal history of colorectal cancer, youre at heightened risk, too.
Colorectal cancer screening is important for everyone.
Dont be afraid to advocate for yourself and your health.
The most important thing is to get your screening if youre in the screening age, Ness said.
And weve shown that we can decrease colorectal cancer mortality by at least 50% with active screening.
And as noted above, colorectal cancer rates in young people are rising.
Something has happened, its clear that theres an upward trend …
The curve goes up since the 1950s, Macaron explained.
So, its important to take family history, personal health history and symptoms seriously.
As you wait for your appointment, though, its important not to panic.
Being on top of your health is never a bad idea.
At minimum, it can help you get in control of any bothersome symptoms.
And in some cases, it just might back up your life.
