5 Things Millennials Should Know About Colon Cancer

In medicine, doctors are taught to look first for the most common explanations behind symptoms. For millennials — those between 29 and 44 — colon cancer has traditionally been considered uncommon. But in recent years, cases have been gradually increasing in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

While researchers are still learning why this rise is happening, the trend shows that colon cancer is becoming a more important consideration for younger adults than it once was. Mark Heimberger, MD, an AdventHealth colon and rectal surgeon, shares important information about colon cancer to help millennials support their long-term health.

Why Awareness and Early Detection Matter for Younger Adults

Because colon cancer is less expected in younger adults, it’s often not top of mind. Routine screening — which can detect colon cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective — typically doesn’t begin until age 45. That means many younger adults aren’t yet being screened.

When symptoms appear in young people, they’re sometimes written off as something else, so the cancer can progress without treatment. But, as new discoveries change these attitudes, doctors are paying more attention to the possibility of colon cancer among younger patients.

“At AdventHealth, we're eager to help younger patients take extra steps to protect themselves from colon cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States,” explains Dr. Heimberger. “Not every case of colon cancer can be prevented, but millennials can take steps to stack the odds in their favor.”

We've compiled five tips to help you take all the steps you can and hopefully earn some peace of mind.

1. Be Vigilant About Your Symptoms

Always start with a conversation with your doctor about any potential symptoms so you can work together to rule out the worst-case scenario. Watch out for the following:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Blood in your stool
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Fatigue
• Unexpected weight loss

“One of the reasons that colon cancer is often discovered later in young people is that both they and their doctors may assume symptoms are caused by another, more common problem,” explains Dr. Heimberger.

2. Keep an Eye on Risk Factors

There are certain behaviors and habits that can increase the risk for a person to develop colon cancer. Some recommendations to reduce this risk include:

• Don't smoke
• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week for most adults)
• Keep weight under control
• Limit consumption of alcohol
• Minimize red meats and processed foods

“Taking these steps now and making them habits will help protect you from colorectal cancer as you age,” Dr. Heimberger shares.

3. Be Persistent

“As awareness grows about the rise in colon cancer among younger adults, age alone shouldn’t prevent appropriate testing when concerning symptoms appear,” Dr. Heimberger shares. “If you feel something isn’t right, don't hesitate to ask to see a specialist.”

It may also help to ask your doctor about whether the newest tools to diagnose colon cancer might work for you. While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard, new technologies, such as blood and stool tests, are emerging as alternatives for some people.

4. Be Proactive, But Don't Panic

One study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found the risk of colon cancer for adults born in 1990 is twice that of an adult born in 1950.

However, even though colon cancer incidence is increasing in the younger population, it's still relatively rare. The majority of colon cancers are diagnosed in patients in their 60s. It's a matter of being proactive and looking at your symptoms. If you’re concerned about your digestive health, talk to a gastroenterologist for guidance and support.

Some people may find it embarrassing to talk about their digestive symptoms, but it’s a completely normal part of caring for your health and having a doctor you trust can make that conversation easier. Knowing you're doing all you can to protect your health will help you feel more empowered.

5. Learn Your Own Risk

Statistics are good at describing health risks for large numbers of people, but each person is unique, with their own health history. Though current guidelines suggest most adults should have their first colonoscopy at age 45, that recommendation changes for people whose relatives had the disease. That advice is especially important for people with family members who had the disease before they were 45. Many of these people should get a colonoscopy 10 years before their relative was diagnosed.

For younger millennials, though, there is not yet enough medical evidence to suggest that healthy people without symptoms should be tested for colon cancer.

We're Your Partner in Lowering Your Risk

Because so many of these tips depend on a strong relationship with a primary care physician, finding a primary care physician is the single best first step to improving your health and lowering your cancer risk. Our physician finder allows you to search by in-office or virtual appointments, zip code, specialty, languages spoken, ages served and more to find a doctor who's the right fit for you. Dr. Heimberger and our entire team of colorectal specialists are dedicated to helping you feel whole.