Colorectal Cancer: Why Are People Under 45 Getting Diagnosed?

You may think of colorectal cancer as an older person’s disease, but over the last 30 years rates in people younger than age 50 have increased by 50%. Indeed, for people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the No. 2 cause in women, behind only breast cancer. Why are cases jumping?  What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? And how can you reduce your risk? In this episode, we talk with a colon and rectal surgeon about the alarming trend that’s something of a mystery even to doctors. Expert: Dr. Tareq Kamal, Colon and Rectal Surgeon Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: Is colorectal cancer more aggressive in younger people than those over 50? Are the risk factors different for those diagnosed at younger ages?  Learn the symptoms of colorectal cancer – and whether they differ among age groups The current screening recommendations for colorectal cancer & how they’ve evolved  Colorectal cancer screening tests – which may work for you? Colonoscopy: What to do if you’re anxious; is prep that bad? What colorectal cancer treatment plans can look like  What younger people are being misdiagnosed with when they’re experiencing colon cancer How to advocate for yourself if you are having symptoms What people of all ages can do to help lower their risk of colorectal cancer  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.