Colon cancer is affecting more young people than ever before, with the American Cancer Society reporting a swift rise in diagnoses among those under 50. While caught early, colon cancer can be challenging to diagnose due to similar symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and weight loss, which often lead to misdiagnosis.
Experts emphasize that routine testing for people under 50 is not commonly offered in the US, making diagnosis more difficult. This lack of awareness and delayed detection has severe consequences, with many cases going undiagnosed until it’s too late.
Recent cases highlight the importance of recognizing early signs and symptoms, such as fatigue and digestive changes. Shannin Desroches, a 27-year-old diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer last year, had severe abdominal pain despite eating a clean diet. JJ Singleton, another 27-year-old diagnosed in 2015, lost five pounds in a week, which later proved to be an early symptom of his Lynch syndrome.
As March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on young people. Early detection and prevention are key to saving lives. By understanding the risks and symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps towards colon cancer screening and testing.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/bi-today-colon-cancer-diagnosis-early-symptoms-2023-3