Colon cancer, once considered a disease affecting older adults, is now being diagnosed in younger individuals at an alarming rate, according to medical experts. Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist, took to Instagram on July 8 to raise awareness, particularly among young people, urging them to recognize the early warning signs of colon cancer.
His post was in response to a video of a 25-year-old man who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer after going for a routine colonoscopy prep. “Young people should watch out for these warning signs of colon cancer,” Dr Salhab emphasized in the video.
“I am seeing colon cancer in younger and younger people, and these are some of the top warning signs that people have told me led them to finally getting checked,” he said.
Top Warning Signs of Colon Cancer According to Dr Salhab:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained abdominal pain that persists
- Weakness or fatigue
- Change in bowel habits, such as prolonged constipation or diarrhoea
- Poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats causing excessive sweating during sleep
- Recurring low-grade fevers
What is Colon Cancer?
In an interview on July 16, 2024, Dr Neeraj Dhingra, consultant in radiation and clinical oncology, explained that colon cancer originates in the colon or rectum, which are part of the lower digestive tract. The disease is increasingly affecting individuals in their 20s and 30s, a shift from the previous trend where it primarily impacted those over 50.
Common symptoms include:
- Blood in stool
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Dr Dhingra attributed this worrying trend to a combination of factors, including lifestyle, genetics, and possibly changes in diet and gut health.
Why Early Detection Matters
Both doctors emphasized the importance of early screening, especially if symptoms persist. Colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but delayed diagnosis can lead to advanced stages that are more difficult to treat.