Colon cancer in young: 4 early warning signs you should not ignore, according to a Harvard doctor

For decades, colon cancer was thought to be a disease to worry about after 50. But that narrative is changing, and fast. Gastroenterologists across the country are reporting a troubling trend: more people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer than ever before.
“Something that I’m worried about a lot—I think every scientist in the country right now, and in the world, thinks is one of the most important scientific problems of our day—is why more and more younger people are getting colorectal cancer,” says Dr Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, during The Mel Robbins Podcast. She also listed the common symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer. This also applies to colorectal cancer at any age. Take a look at the symptoms.

Abdominal cramps, pain, or bloating that do not go away are a warning sign. When abdominal pain persists even after trying common remedies—dietary changes, over-the-counter antacids, or rest—it is time to take it seriously. Most people tend to mistake persistent abdominal discomfort for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or simple indigestion, especially if the pain comes and goes. However, there is a stark difference between occasional digestive issues and pain that lingers for weeks or months.

Rectal bleeding is one of the most noticeable warning signs, and yet it is often dismissed. People assume that any blood in the toilet is simply due to haemorrhoids. Some even choose to ignore it, blaming it on their diet, or self-treat with over-the-counter remedies. While haemorrhoids can cause minor bleeding, if it persists, it should be investigated. Young adults often dismiss this sign, assuming it is too embarrassing to mention to a doctor or too trivial to warrant an appointment. However, any rectal bleeding that persists for more than a few days or recurs should not be dismissed.

Iron-deficiency anaemia is a blood condition that many young adults, particularly women, dismiss as a normal part of life rather than a potential warning sign of colon cancer. However, Dr Pasricha warns how crucial this sign is. When a blood test reveals that your red blood cells have become smaller, it signals iron loss in the body.
“This is really important in women because, when women have iron-deficiency anaemia, it can feel like fatigue—you’re tired, you get the blood test. Oftentimes, people will say this has to be due to your period because we lose a lot of iron, we lose blood with our periods. If you have these other symptoms or you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, but my periods are kind of light,’ I really want you to pause and not brush this aside,” the gastroenterologist warns.

The fourth warning sign is arguably the most important and most ignored, because it can be vague. Any change in your bowel habits can be a red flag for colon cancer. This could be new diarrhoea, constipation, or any shift in your established pattern.

“Maybe suddenly your poo went from being really thick to really, really thin,” the doctor said. “There have been some really high-profile cases of celebrities who have said the only sign I had was that fourth one, just that something changed in the pattern. And I thought it was my coffee or something else, but then I changed the coffee, and it didn’t go away. If you’re worried, if something’s off, don’t wait. Don’t brush it aside as normal. Do not be embarrassed by it. Just run it by your doctor,” she added.

Don’t wait. When you seek medical attention can make all the difference.

“Anything that’s new for you that seems to stick around—get attention,” she said. The gastroenterologist also referred to a study which showed that people who have three or four of the four symptoms had a sixfold higher likelihood of having colorectal cancer than people who had fewer.
“I would get help for any of these symptoms—no more than one or two weeks if it has persisted,” the doctor said.