Colon Cancer Symptoms & Treatment: Colorectal Cancer More Common in People Under 50, Says New Study

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A new study has determined that more men and women below 50-years old are developing colon cancer. Experts are raising concerns over this as current screening guidelines do not begin until age 50.

The analysis, which was published in the Wiley Online Library under Oncology & Radiotherapy, stated that at least one in seven colon cancer patient today is under 50-years old. The research also pointed out that colorectal cancer in younger patients are more likely advanced, thus the cases are more alarming. However, younger patients can withstand aggressive treatment, so many live a bit longer than older patients.

"Colon cancer has traditionally been thought of as a disease of the elderly," said lead study author Dr. Samantha Hendren via CBS News. "This study is really a wake-up call to the medical community that a relatively large number of colon cancers are occurring in people under 50."

The researchers analyzed data from colorectal cancer patients in the United States from 1998 to 2011 and recorded 258,000 cases. Of these cases, 15 percent or 37,847 were under 50-years-old and they had regional and distant malignancies.

Medical Daily pointed out that such cases pose more danger because the cancer have likely spread outside of the original tumor. However, treatment and results bring more positive results as younger patients can undergo surgery and radiation therapy.

The researchers suggested colon cancer screening should be improved to cover younger adults in its risk assessment, especially when this type of cancer is often without symptoms. The best indication of colon cancer is found in the bowels, which may sometimes be associated and confused with hemorrhoids.

Tampa Bay Times reported that earlier screenings are already in place in some cases, such as when a person has a history of the cancer in the family. "I think our current guidelines are good enough," said oncologist Dr. Sophie Dessureault. "We don't need to change what's in place, we just need to better apply the guidelines so younger patients aren't dismissed as having nothing."

Some doctors also pointed out that screenings are expensive, invasive and may require time off work; thus younger patients might not be underlined to go through with it. National Cancer Institute cited that patients will be required to undergo fecal occult blood tests, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the screenings and there are some mild discomforts and possible complications with each procedure. Some diet changes may also be required from the patient before the tests are done.