Younger adults are experiencing a rise in colon cancer cases, according to the Texas Medical Association (TMA), which is encouraging individuals to discuss colorectal screening with their physicians.
TMA has developed a one-page guide aimed at increasing awareness about colorectal cancer. The guide, available in both English and Spanish, as well as a version for physicians, is posted on the TMA cancer web page. The association hopes this resource will help patients feel more comfortable addressing a topic that may be difficult to discuss but could lead to early detection and potentially save lives.
“We want to raise awareness of signs and symptoms, so patients know when to seek care,” said Andy Chen, MD, a member of the TMA Committee on Cancer. “We want to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s own risk – knowing one’s own family history and knowing the big contributing factors. Most importantly, we want to promote early detection and early screening.”
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum—parts of the large intestine—and often starts as benign polyps that can become cancerous over time. In both Texas and nationwide, it is currently the third most diagnosed cancer among men and women and ranks second in overall cancer deaths. Projections indicate it could become the leading cause of cancer deaths for people aged 20 to 49 by 2030.
The incidence rate for people under age 50 has been rising by two percent each year since 2011. Mortality rates have also increased by one percent annually among those under 50 since 2005. Dr. Chen described this trend as an “alarming increase in colorectal cancer in young people.”
“The saddest part about taking care of young cancer patients is seeing the delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment because of their young age,” Dr. Chen added.
The TMA guide explains that colonoscopy remains the only screening method that can both detect existing cancers and prevent them by removing pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure.
With these increases in cases among younger adults, doctors are urging anyone experiencing relevant symptoms to consult their physician regarding possible screening.
The patient guide outlines common symptoms associated with colorectal cancer and lists preventive actions such as avoiding tobacco use, maintaining physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, increasing dietary fiber intake, and reducing red meat consumption.
Dr. Chen emphasized that early detection benefits both high-risk patients without symptoms and those already experiencing symptoms: “I hope after reading this one-pager, people will be encouraged to talk to their physicians about colorectal cancer screening.”
TMA represents more than 59,000 physician and medical student members across Texas through its network of county medical societies. Since its founding in 1853, TMA’s main goal has been improving health outcomes for all Texans.
