Colon Cancer is on the Rise: When Should You Get Checked?

For decades, providers and people alike believed colon cancer was something to think about after turning 50. That has changed. Today, the American Cancer Society finds that about one in five people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are younger than 55, making awareness of symptoms and risk factors more important than ever.

While most younger adults with digestive symptoms do not have colon cancer, persistent or unexplained changes should never be ignored. And knowing when to seek medical evaluation can make a meaningful difference. Read on to learn why colon cancer is affecting younger adults more often, who should consider getting checked earlier, and how the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles can determine whether a colonoscopy or other testing is the right next step.

Why Are More Young Adults Being Diagnosed With Colon Cancer?

Researchers are still working to understand why colon cancer is becoming more common in younger adults. What they know so far is that the increase is likely the result of several factors working together rather than one single cause. Possible contributors include:

• Diets low in dietary fiber
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Alcohol use
• Smoking

Some younger adults also have inherited genetic conditions or inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, that significantly raise their lifetime risk. 

One reason physicians place so much importance on symptoms rather than age alone is that younger patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no obvious risk factors at all. 

Digestive Symptoms That Should be Evaluated 

Colon cancer is only one possibility, but it is an important one to rule out when dealing with digestive symptoms. Symptoms that should be evaluated by a GI doctor include: 

• Persistent rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool
• Ongoing abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Pencil-thin stools
• Lasting changes in bowel habits 

Can Colon Cancer Symptoms be Caused by Something Else?

Not every episode of blood in the stool means colon cancer. In fact, several common medical conditions can cause rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits, including: 

• Hemorrhoids
• An anal fissure
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The challenge is that some of these conditions share symptoms with colorectal cancer, making it difficult to know the cause without a proper evaluation. Getting a colonoscopy not only can rule out cancer, but it can also identify what is affecting your digestive system and help you choose the right treatment. 

Getting your symptoms evaluated doesn’t automatically mean you need a colonoscopy either. Depending on your symptoms, the best GI doctor in Los Angeles may recommend blood work, a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for hidden blood in your stool, imaging such as a CT scan, and sometimes, a colonoscopy to examine the lining of the digestive tract directly. Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive test because it can both detect cancer and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

Should You Get a Colonoscopy Before Age 45?

Most people at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. However, some people should also consider getting screened for colorectal cancer earlier than standard guidelines recommend. A diagnostic colonoscopy may be recommended before age 45 if: 

• You develop concerning symptoms
• Have a strong family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
• Carry certain inherited genetic conditions
• Have medical conditions that can increase your risk, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the colon

There is a difference between a screening colonoscopy and a diagnostic colonoscopy: 

• A screening colonoscopy is performed based on age or risk factors before symptoms develop
• A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed because there is a reason to investigate symptoms or abnormal test results

Finding the Best Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles for a Colon Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, which makes it more important than ever to pay attention to symptoms instead of assuming your age protects you. Whether you're experiencing rectal bleeding, lasting changes in bowel habits, or simply wondering if you should have a colonoscopy before age 45, getting answers early can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.

The team at Innovative GI is led by Dr. Cameron Sikavi, a double board-certified gastroenterologist with advanced fellowship training in therapeutic endoscopy, giving him the expertise to recognize subtle findings and perform thorough diagnostic evaluations when symptoms or family history raise concern. We take an investigative approach to every patient because identifying the cause of persistent digestive symptoms is just as important as detecting disease early. 

If you have questions about your colorectal cancer risk or are experiencing symptoms that shouldn't be ignored, the best colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles is here to help you determine the right next step.