Young-onset colorectal cancer is colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer has risen by 51% since 1994.
People born in 1990 have twice the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer as people born in 1950!
NEW GUIDELINES from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) state that ALL PEOPLE be screened for colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy beginning at the age of 45 or sooner if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers, certain conditions, or symptoms.
Due to the rise in colon cancer in the younger populations, ALL red flag symptoms need to be evaluated promptly and aggressively by a medical professional. Some red flag symptoms include:
Anemia
Iron Deficiency
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain
Bloody diarrhea
Blood in the stools
Black, tarry looking stools
Back pain, especially pain that keeps you up at night
Fever, chill, sweats, night sweats
A comprehensive evaluation by a trained medical professional is the only way ensure proper and timely diagnoses, and to avoid delayed care and limited treatment options..