Health3 min(s) read
Published 13:24 08 Apr 2026 GMT
The main signs of colon cancer have been outlined by experts, as an increasing number of younger people are dying as a result of the disease.
Billions of dollars are pumped into cancer research every year around the world, but the common belief that it primarily affects old people is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in those under the age of 50 have skyrocketed in recent years, with The American Cancer Society estimating that 158,850 people in the US will be diagnosed with the condition in 2026, while 55,230 will die from the disease.
The type of cancer is actually the deadliest in people under 50, as the society found that it is the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50 and second for women.
Deaths in other forms of cancer are dropping as a result of the advancement of medicine, but deaths in CRC are increasing, for a number of reasons.
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A number of factors have already been identified as potential factors of the disease, such as an ultra-processed diet, lack of exercise, alcohol intake and smoking being linked with colorectal caner.
New research has claimed that CRC, the leading cause of cancer deaths in young Americans, can be identified by two noticeable changes in health.
These are abdominal pain and spots of blood in your stool, with both being highlighted as perhaps the two most common symptoms in younger patients, according to the study.
Some other potential causes include noticeable changes in bowel movements, unexpected weight loss, and a loss of appetite over a period of time.
Other less common signs involve fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and rectal bleeding - it is suggested that you see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, in case they develop.
Those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are also more likely to develop bowel cancer later in life.
Dr Christine Molmenti, cancer epidemiologist and co-director of the Northwell Health Early-Onset Cancer Program in New York, said that this new study is "impactful" in a piece for the Daily Mail.
Despite not being involved with the research, she explained: "I think this is a very impactful and well thought out and executed study. It is bringing to light the major public health problem that we're dealing with in the United States and globally.
"The fact that colorectal cancer has now risen to the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and second leading in women under 50, only second to breast cancer, are extremely alarming results."
She added that experts must "take note" of these developments "from a screening perspective," with these increasing numbers a concern for both patients and providers.
Symptoms of CRC can be subtle or fail to present themselves until the later stages, which can be an issue as the cancer may be aggressive and harder to treat at this point.
The number of Americans under 50 suffering from colorectal cancer has increased by approximately two percent every year since 2004.
