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The idea that colorectal cancer is only a disease that older adults have to worry about is changing. More people under 50 are being diagnosed than ever before. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer rates are rising by about 3% each year among adults ages 20 to 49.
The reason? Many younger adults brush off symptoms like blood in the stool, ongoing stomach pain, or changes in bowel habits because they seem easy to explain away, which can delay a diagnosis. Learning how to recognize when something feels off and when it is time to seek medical care is life-saving knowledge. Read on to explore why colorectal cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, who may be at greater risk, the warning signs you should watch for, and when to see the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles for screening.
Why Is Colorectal Cancer Increasing in Young Adults?
Doctors use the term early-onset colorectal cancer to describe colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50. Over the last few decades, researchers have seen a steady increase in these cases around the world, even as rates have fallen in older adults who benefit from routine screening. Experts are still working to understand exactly why this is happening, but current research points to several factors that may play a role, including:
- Obesity
- Diets high in processed foods and red meat
- Low physical activity
- Diets low in dietary fiber
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Environmental exposures
In many cases, there is no single cause. Some scientists believe the increase is likely linked to a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic influences. Learning about these risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and know when symptoms deserve medical attention.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Colorectal Cancer Before Age 50?
Anyone can develop colorectal cancer, though some people have a higher risk than others.
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, can increase the likelihood of developing the disease at a younger age.
- Long-term inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis also raise the risk.
- Other factors include obesity, Type 2 diabetes, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
Even with these known risks, many younger adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no family history or obvious warning signs. That is one reason it is important to choose the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles who takes your concerns seriously and provides a thorough evaluation based on your individual risk factors, and to share your personal and family medical history with your doctor and discuss any ongoing digestive symptoms.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer?
The early symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Ongoing abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Iron-deficiency anemia
These symptoms can be easy to overlook because they often resemble common digestive problems, like hemorrhoids, stress-related digestive issues, or irritable bowel syndrome. Waiting for symptoms to disappear on their own can allow cancer to grow and become more difficult to treat.
Any symptom that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning should be evaluated by the best colorectal cancer specialist in Los Angeles, who can determine whether additional testing is needed and provide peace of mind if the cause is something less serious.
When Should Younger Adults Get Screened or See a Colorectal Specialist?
Age alone should never prevent someone from seeking medical care if they have concerning symptoms. Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, but people with a family history of colorectal cancer, inherited genetic conditions, or inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screening even earlier.
To screen for colon cancer, the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles may recommend a stool test, blood work, imaging, or a colonoscopy to identify the cause of persistent digestive problems. A colonoscopy remains the most effective way to detect colorectal cancer and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer. If you need this procedure, finding the best colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles ensures you are comfortable throughout the screening process.
Can Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults Be Prevented?
There are several healthy habits that can lower your risk of colorectal cancer, including:
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Avoiding tobacco
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Equally important is paying attention to changes in your body and acting when something does not feel right. Getting regular checkups and timely screenings can help ensure problems are identified before symptoms become severe.
If you have ongoing digestive concerns, a family history of colorectal cancer, or questions about screening, meeting with the best GI doctor for colon cancer in Los Angeles gives you the opportunity to discuss your risk and create a plan that fits your health needs.
Finding the Best GI Doctor For Colonoscopy in Los Angeles
Colorectal cancer is becoming a bigger concern for younger adults, which makes paying attention to your body and staying current with screening recommendations more important than ever. If you have ongoing digestive symptoms, a family history of colorectal cancer, or questions about when to schedule a colonoscopy, Elite Digestive Health is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
At our state-of-the-art clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Benjamin Basseri combines advanced training from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and UCLA Medical Center with extensive experience in colon cancer prevention and colorectal cancer screening. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications on digestive health and remains active in leading gastroenterology organizations.
Whether you're ready for your first screening or need answers about persistent symptoms, our team is here to provide expert care and help protect your long-term health. Ready to get a colon cancer screening from the best GI doctor in Los Angeles?
