- Incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing among individuals under 50.
- A 38-year-old shares his story of diagnosis and highlights the significance of routine screenings.
- Colonoscopies play a crucial role in early detection and can be life-saving.
William Lindley, a 38-year-old, started having persistent stomach problems, constantly feeling the need to use the restroom.
“Back then, I used to consume smokeless tobacco, especially after meals which caused me to rush to the bathroom,” he explained to Healthline.
He initially suspected it might be irritable bowel syndrome due to the ongoing symptoms, but his job as a Mississippi police officer made him realize the severity of his condition.
“My job required long hours on the interstate, and I found myself needing to stop multiple times to use the bathroom, only to find I couldn’t. Soon, I noticed blood in my stool,” Lindley recounted.
Following a consultation and a subsequent colonoscopy, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Surgeons removed a portion of his colon and fitted him with a colostomy bag. A PET scan also revealed liver involvement. He then sought advanced treatment options at MD Anderson in Texas, including chemotherapy.
“After four chemotherapy sessions, I paused treatment for a month before undergoing a robotic liver resection. They removed all four cancerous sections, about 5% of my liver,” Lindley shared.
Months later, cancerous spots appeared on his lung, leading to more chemotherapy and a lung surgery scheduled for January 2025. Presently, Lindley is not undergoing further treatment and keeps regular appointments with his doctors.
“I feel fantastic and am grateful my body has recovered quickly. I’m eager to start exercising again,” he expressed.
Now at 41, Lindley’s outlook on life has transformed, particularly his approach to work-life balance.
“Family has always been important to me, but now I ensure work doesn’t spill into family time. I’ve learned to lighten up on things I once took too seriously,” he explained.
Lindley hopes his experience encourages other young individuals to consult a physician if they notice suspicious symptoms.
“It’s easy to be in denial about symptoms or delay seeking help. When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t aware that colorectal cancer was a growing problem among younger people. If I had acted sooner, my diagnosis might have been at an earlier stage,” he remarked.
His openness about his health struggles has prompted several friends and family members to undergo colonoscopies, leading to the early detection and removal of polyps for some.
Increasing Cases of Colorectal Cancer in Youth
The administration recently announced that each year, 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The disease claims the lives of 50,000 individuals annually, making it the top cause of cancer death for Americans aged 18 to 49. Alarmingly, the incidence among children is also on the rise.
Dr. Christine Parseghian, an associate professor specializing in gastrointestinal medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, noted that while colorectal cancer rates have declined among adults over 50 due to lifestyle changes and increased screening, rates have nearly doubled among those under 50 since the early 1990s.
“The causes are multifaceted and not entirely clear, but likely involve dietary habits, obesity, inactive lifestyles, and genetic factors,” Parseghian explained to Healthline. “Lack of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and high-calorie diets contribute to obesity, a known risk factor for early-onset colorectal cancer,” she added.
Even though many early-onset cases have a genetic basis, about 80% of these patients don’t have a family history of the disease. Lindley, whose mother has adenoid carcinoma and whose grandmother succumbed to pancreatic cancer, tested negative for known cancer-risk genes.
“We see many young patients who lead healthy lives and lack genetic predispositions, yet they still develop this cancer,” Parseghian said.
Research into the rising trend of young-onset colorectal cancer is ongoing, with some studies linking it to changes in gut microbiome caused by diet or antibiotics, which may trigger inflammation and increase disease risk.
“There’s still much to learn about these factors, but research is advancing, particularly through programs focused on young-onset colorectal cancer at institutions like MD Anderson and other leading research centers worldwide,” Parseghian concluded.
Life-Saving Early Detection of Colon Cancer
In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force revised its guidelines, recommending colorectal cancer screenings start at age 45 for those at average risk.
“Colonoscopies are crucial for preventing colorectal cancer. Increased screening has significantly reduced the incidence among those over 50,” Parseghian remarked.
When pre-cancerous polyps are found during a colonoscopy, they can be removed before becoming cancerous.
“Detecting a tumor early during a colonoscopy can simplify surgical removal and increase the likelihood of a cure,” she noted. “The temporary discomfort from dietary restrictions and bowel preparation is a small price to pay to avoid a lifetime of complications.”
She also emphasized that physical activity could reduce colorectal cancer risk by about 30%.
Other recommendations to lower risk
- avoiding smoking
- limiting alcohol and processed foods
- reducing consumption of red meat and saturated fats
- increasing intake of vegetables and fruits
- maintaining a healthy weight
Key Warning Signs for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Notable
- abdominal pain
- unexplained weight loss
- changes in bowel habits
- rectal bleeding
“Research indicates that non-painful bleeding could be a precursor to other symptoms for up to three years. Individuals with symptoms often delay seeking medical help for up to six months,” Parseghian observed.
Regardless of age, anyone experiencing potential symptoms should consult their doctor immediately.
“It’s critical to raise awareness about this lethal illness, especially among the younger population,” Parseghian urged.
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