The rates of young people being diagnosed with colon cancer continues to increase, according to a major study from University of Colorado School of Medicine researchers.

While most cases occur in those that are 45 and older, researchers found patients in the 20-29 age range have had the highest increase in new colon cancer cases.

Researchers analyzed data from over 100,000 people with adenocarcinoma, a more aggressive cancer that’s usually caught in later stages. "Studying cases of adenocarcinoma alone is important, because those are the ones we're trying to prevent with screening and risk factor identification," study author and CU Medicine provider Dr. Jordan Karlitz told ABC News. 

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends getting regular colonoscopies at age 45.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is in March. We talked with Dr. Andy Mengshol, with CU Medicine Gastroenterology at the Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center, about ways to prevent or reduce your risk of colon cancer.

If you need a colon cancer screening or want to be seen by a physician at CU Medicine Gastroenterology, click or tap here to make an appointment.

When should you start colon cancer screenings?

Age is one of the most important risk factors for colorectal cancer, with incidence rates increasing with age, and nearly 94% of new cases of colorectal cancer occurring in those that are 45 years of age and older.

If colon cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about starting screenings earlier. “If you do have a family history, a first-degree relative especially who’s had colon cancer, then you should start at age 40 or maybe sooner depending on when they were diagnosed,” explained Mengshol.

Many might be nervous about getting a colonoscopy but Mengshol explained that it’s a pretty simple process, “Usually, the procedure is 20-30 minutes at the most.” The prep is often the hardest part but it’s better than it used to be. “Now we do a split prep. Drink half in the evening, the night before and the rest the morning of the procedure. It’s easier to drink and also cleans the colon out better.”

The prep liquid clears your colon out so it’s easier for the doctor to find precancerous lesions, or polyps, and remove them. That removal process is something you won’t even feel.

What about at home screening kits?

The best thing you can do to protect yourself and prevent colon cancer is to get screened.

While a colonoscopy is the gold standard and the best test to screen for colon cancer, there are at home kits you can do as well. “Anything that increases screening is good, so I’m definitely not against them,” Mengshol said.

A home kit might be a good option during the pandemic or if you don’t yet qualify for a colonoscopy but want to check in on your colon health. The kits are easy to use: you just gently brush the surface of a stool sample in water and then pack and mail the kit back. If it comes back positive, you should follow it up with a colonoscopy.

While home testing kits are convenient there are some downsides. “They’re not quite as sensitive, so there’s some chance of missing a big polyp or early cancer. The other thing that is if it comes back positive, then the colonoscopy is now a diagnostic test and you may have a little more out of pocket expense,” explained Mengshol.

What else can you do to prevent or reduce your risk for colon cancer?

In addition to colonoscopies, there are other things you can do to prevent colorectal cancer.

Your risk of colon cancer also increases if you are overweight or obese. Try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five days a week, into your routine. Smoking and drinking alcohol also increase your risk of colon cancer. Women shouldn’t have more than one alcoholic drink daily, and no more than two drinks per day for men. If you smoke, you should take steps to try to quit right away.

When it comes to your diet, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans. Those food groups are linked to lower cancer risk and can help improve bowel function. Limit your intake of foods that are high in fat or processed, as they can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Symptoms that may indicate colon cancer

“There are really no symptoms that are totally specific for colon cancer,” said Mengshol, and he adds that many times there aren’t symptoms or they are subtle.

Mengshol explained that if you have bleeding or a change in bowel habits, it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor. “Bleeding is usually from hemorrhoids, but it could be cancer. A change in your bowel habits like getting more constipated or having more diarrhea can be a sign as well,” said Mengshol.

If you need a colon cancer screening or want to be seen by a physician at CU Medicine Gastroenterology, click or tap here to make an appointment.