Colorectal Cancer Surges in Young Adults — How to Cut Risk and Get Screened
Colorectal cancer is rising among people under 50, with possible links to diet, alcohol, smoking, obesity, and gut microbiome imbalances; early warning signs include blood in stool, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, prompting medical evaluation. Screening for average risk typically begins at age 45 (with colonoscopy emphasized for higher risk), while high-risk individuals may need earlier testing. Catching cancer early can yield 80–90% 5-year survival, whereas advanced or metastatic disease has much poorer outcomes. Reducing risk involves regular exercise, a fiber-rich diet with less red/processed meat, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol and avoiding tobacco, and sharing family history with your clinician to tailor screening and prevention.
