Experts have lowered the recommended age to get screened and take action.
Getting a colonoscopy is something many people don’t even start thinking about until the gray hairs start to set in. But actor James Van Der Beek's November 2024 announcement that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer at age 47 proves that it does not just strike the elderly. Cases of young-onset colorectal cancer, in people in their 40s, 30s and even their 20s, have increased by 51% since 1994, according to the National Cancer Institute.
This sharp rise prompted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended age for average-risk people to start screening to 45 -- just four years after it had set it at 50. A colonoscopy allows physicians to view the inside of the lower digestive tract up close, so that they may spot cancer at an earlier stage and intervene right away. When caught early, colon cancer is very treatable.
Know the signs
It’s not unusual for younger people to dismiss or misinterpret colorectal cancer clues as typical “stomach issues.” The most common signs of colorectal cancer in younger patients include:
- Blood in the stool
- Change in stool and/or difficulty in bowel movements
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Abdominal pain and cramping
It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any of these changes so that you can be put on the best treatment path.
Be aware of the risks
Despite all of this, age still is the #1 risk factor for colorectal cancer, followed by a history of colorectal polyps as determined by a previous colonoscopy. An increase in colonoscopies in the over-50 age group, and being able to spot and remove those polyps before they turn into something worse, is a key reason for the decline in of colon cancer rates for that segment of the population.
Everyone, no matter their age, can lower their risk by:
- Eating a normal, balanced diet, including plenty of fiber and water
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking – a great idea under any circumstance
The colonoscopy remains the gold standard in spotting and diagnosing an issue before it becomes life-threatening. Stool DNA testing and bloodwork may indicate an abnormality, but won’t tell you if you have a polyp or precancerous lesion.
Knowing that colonoscopies can help prevent and eliminate polyps and cancers down the road should make scheduling the test a lot more bearable. With improvements in the procedure and the day-before prep involved, there’s no reason to put it off.
Find out if you should be screened for colorectal cancer.
Dr. Kimberly Yee is a colorectal surgeon and Director of the Colorectal Cancer Program at White Plains Hospital. To make an appointment, call (914) 948-1000.