A gastroenterologist says younger adults should watch for blood in stool and persistent abdominal pain, two major Colorectal Cancer Symptoms, as cases and deaths among people under 50 continue rising.
Colorectal cancer, once considered a disease affecting older adults, is increasingly diagnosed in people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The American Cancer Society says it is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people younger than 50.
Dr. Derek Ebner, a gastroenterologist who treats colorectal cancer patients, says the trend has heightened his own awareness of symptoms despite being under the typical screening age.
“It definitely crosses my mind,” Ebner said in an interview. “As someone younger than 50, and seeing increasing rates in that age group, it brings a heightened awareness.”
Ebner says early detection is critical. Survival rates exceed 90% when colorectal cancer is caught early, but outcomes decline significantly when the disease spreads.
Doctors Say Blood in Stool Is a Major Warning Sign
Ebner says one of the most important Colorectal Cancer Symptoms people should not ignore is blood during a bowel movement.
“For me, as an individual younger than 50, blood from the bottom is something I’m very mindful of,” he said.
Patients frequently assume bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids and delay medical evaluation, a mistake Ebner calls “scary” because it can allow cancer to progress unnoticed.
Bright red blood appearing in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper should prompt a discussion with a health care provider, he said. Blood streaks on stool may indicate bleeding near the rectum, while blood mixed within stool could signal bleeding higher in the colon.
“If you observe it, it’s best to let your health care team know and not leave something to chance,” Ebner said.
Persistent Abdominal Pain May Signal Tumor Growth
The second symptom Ebner closely monitors is ongoing abdominal pain, particularly on the left side of the abdomen.
Early-onset colorectal cancer patients often report discomfort in the left lower or upper quadrant of the abdomen, he said. The sensation may feel like fullness or constant pressure.
That pain can occur when a tumor blocks the normal movement of stool through the large intestine.
“Stool normally passes freely along the large intestine,” Ebner said. “But if there is a bulky mass limiting that passage, it can cause fullness, pressure, and discomfort.”
If the pain worsens with movement or persists over time, doctors recommend seeking medical evaluation.
Screening and Awareness Remain Critical
Other possible Colorectal Cancer Symptoms include an unproductive urge to have a bowel movement, unexplained weight loss, and iron deficiency anemia caused by slow internal bleeding.
In some cases, patients may not see visible blood in their stool. Instead, routine blood tests may reveal anemia or fatigue linked to hidden blood loss.
Health experts emphasize screening as the most effective prevention strategy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends most adults begin screening at age 45 using stool tests, colonoscopy or other methods.
“The best one is the one that gets done,” Ebner said.
Doctors also advise people experiencing possible symptoms to contact a primary care provider or urgent care clinic for evaluation.
Rising awareness of early Colorectal Cancer Symptoms may help reverse the troubling increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults, experts say.
