Latest news with #ColorectalCancerAlliance
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Colorectal cancer on the rise among young adults: What you need to know
NEW YORK, Aug 12: New research reveals a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults in the U.S., with symptoms that often go unnoticed. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. It ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women — but when both genders are considered together, it's the second most common cause of cancer death. While colorectal cancer may not present clear signs in its early stages, experts emphasize the importance of not ignoring certain symptoms. Key symptoms you shouldn't overlook Changes in bowel habits can be a warning sign. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance notes that symptoms may resemble those of other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, consistent changes like diarrhea, constipation, unusually narrow stools, or the sensation of incomplete bowel movements could point to CRC. Fight Colorectal Cancer, a prominent advocacy organization, explains that shifts in bowel patterns can result from diet, medications, infections, or other health concerns—but persistent abnormalities should be checked by a doctor. Specifically, they advise seeking medical attention if: Your stools appear abnormal for an extended period You frequently feel the urge to go but can't Your stool is black, red, clay-colored, or white There is visible mucus or pus in your stool Additionally, thin or pencil-shaped stools may suggest a possible blockage in the colon, such as a tumor, although other less serious causes are also possible. Abdominal discomfort — including cramping, bloating, nausea, or a constant feeling of fullness—may indicate CRC. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance highlights these as warning signs. According to Fight CRC, intense or stabbing abdominal pain should prompt an emergency visit, but even mild, persistent pain should not be ignored. Rectal bleeding is another red flag. Whether it's blood on the stool, in the toilet, or on toilet paper after wiping, Fight CRC warns that any rectal bleeding is abnormal and requires medical evaluation. Monitoring the frequency, location, and any pain associated with the bleeding can help with diagnosis. Other possible warning signs Unintended weight loss can sometimes point to cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance urges anyone experiencing unexplained weight loss to consult a doctor. As cancer cells grow, they consume the body's energy, placing a greater demand on the immune system. According to Fight CRC, this can lead to fatigue, weakness, or even shortness of breath. These symptoms could also indicate anemia, especially if there is internal bleeding caused by a tumor.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Colorectal cancer may cause these 4 hidden warning signs, experts say
Colorectal cancer rates have soared among younger Americans, new research has found — and there might not always be obvious symptoms. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is one in 24 for men and one in 26 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women, but is the second most common cause when the numbers for men and women are combined. While there may be no symptoms of CRC before diagnosis, especially in the early stages, the following signs and symptoms should not be overlooked, experts say. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, some symptoms of the disease can be similar to other causes, like hemorrhoids, infection or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But a change in bowel habits — including diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools or feeling like your bowels are full even after a movement — can be a sign of CRC. Fight Colorectal Cancer, a leading patient advocacy group, noted on its website how bowel movements can change due to diet, infections, medications and other medical issues. A change in bowel movement schedule or stool appearance could also signal CRC. Fight CRC recommends calling a doctor if your stool is consistently abnormal, if you have sudden urges to pass stool but can't control it, if the stool is black, clay-colored, red or white, or if there is mucus or pus in the stool. Skinny, thin or pencil-like stool may also indicate an obstruction in the colon, like a tumor, but can also be caused by other harmless, temporary conditions. Persistent discomfort in the abdomen is another CRC symptom, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance reported on its site. This can include feelings of pain, nausea, cramping, bloating or feeling unusually full, even after not eating much. Severe, "knife-in-my-stomach type" abdominal pains warrant a visit to the emergency room, Fight CRC instructed — but even mild pains shouldn't be taken lightly. Blood in the stool, toilet or when wiping with toilet paper can be a major sign of colorectal cancer. Fight CRC stressed that any amount of rectal bleeding is not normal and should be brought to a doctor's attention for proper diagnosis. Since blood in the stool is a common symptom, Fight CRC instructed paying attention to where the blood is found, how often it occurs and whether bowel movements are painful. Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be caused by cancer and should be brought to the attention of a doctor, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Weight loss is the result of cancer cells "consuming the body's energy" as they multiply, Fight CRC explained, as the immune system expends more energy to fight and destroy cancer cells. This can also lead to feeling fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath. For more Health articles, visit These symptoms may also be a sign of anemia, which can develop from bleeding somewhere inside the body, like from a cancerous tumor. Weight loss can also be caused by a tumor blocking the colon or intestinal tract, which prevents proper nutrient absorption.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Influencer Tanner Martin dead at 30 of colon cancer — this was his first symptom
Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin, who died this week of colon cancer at the age of 30, said his five-year battle began with a single symptom. Martin was diagnosed with the disease, which occurs when cells in the colon grow out of control, in 2020 at the age of 25. While colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults, diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years. Oncologists have suggested that the concerning rise in youth cases and deaths could be due to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, the Western diet, excess sugar consumption and environmental factors such as pollutants in the air, soil and water. The exact causes are still unclear. Martin's first symptom was a mild but persistent stomachache that began in 2020. He said that the pain was not debilitating but made him feel unwell. Gastrointestinal medical oncologist Benny Johnson notes that some 15% of colon cancer patients report abdominal pain, described as an 'intermittent crampy feeling.' Martin then began experiencing severe constipation. Though colon cancer can sometimes be asymptomatic, a change in bowel habits or stool — as well as rectal bleeding or weight loss — are among the classic symptoms. Experts maintain that constipation now and then isn't a cause for concern, but if you're normally regular — and then you're stopped up for weeks or months at a time — that's not normal and could be a sign that cancer is obstructing your bowels. 'If you notice persistent diarrhea, constipation or a change in the shape, size, consistency or frequency of your stool, don't simply brush it off as stress or diet changes,' Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon based in South Carolina and medical adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, previously told The Post. Also, watch for fatigue. A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, is present in 30% to 75% of colorectal cancer patients and can contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Despite Martin's telltale symptoms, his initial bloodwork was normal, and it took six months for a specialist to recommend him for a colonoscopy. Because of the rise in younger cases, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in 2021 to lower the recommended age to start screening from 50 to 45 for adults at average risk. By the time Martin underwent the procedure, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread from his colon to his liver. He was given a Stage 4 terminal diagnosis. According to the Washington Post, young people like Martin, who are of Native American descent, have the highest rate of colorectal cancer of any racial and ethnic group. Despite his grim prognosis, Martin finished college and found a job, but the fatigue from his treatments and the toll of several surgeries made it impossible for him to work. He began documenting his cancer journey on TikTok and Instagram, where his candor and optimism made him a viral sensation. Martin and his wife, Shay, also started the nonprofit Rebels Against Cancer. Martin, who had always dreamed of being a father, banked his sperm shortly after his diagnosis, as infertility is a common side effect of chemotherapy. In 2024, in light of what appeared to be an effective treatment for Martin, he and Shay decided to start a family. However, by 2025, Martin's condition had taken a turn for the worse, spreading to his lymph nodes, and he was uncertain whether he would live long enough to meet his daughter. He and Shay welcomed AmyLou last month. Martin announced his untimely passing in a prerecorded video shared by Shay on Wednesday. He wanted to record a 'lighthearted' video ahead of his death so Shay could upload it and focus on grieving. Martin, who did not have life insurance, also recorded a separate video in which he shared that his dying wish was for fans to donate to his widow and newborn daughter through a GoFundMe fundraiser, 'to help replace what I would be there for.' 'For less than the price of a hot and spicy McChicken (Tanner's words…LOL), you can give them a future Tanner only wished he could stay to provide,' the page said. The fundraiser has collected over $500,000 so far.
New York Post
26-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Influencer Tanner Martin dead at 30 of colon cancer — this was his first symptom
Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin, who died this week of colon cancer at the age of 30, said his five-year battle began with a single symptom. Martin was diagnosed with the disease, which occurs when cells in the colon grow out of control, in 2020 at the age of 25. While colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults, diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years. 4 Tanner Martin was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 25. The Washington Post via Getty Images Oncologists have suggested that the concerning rise in youth cases and deaths could be due to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, the Western diet, excess sugar consumption and environmental factors such as pollutants in the air, soil and water. The exact causes are still unclear. Martin's first symptom was a mild but persistent stomachache that began in 2020. He said that the pain was not debilitating but made him feel unwell. Gastrointestinal medical oncologist Benny Johnson notes that some 15% of colon cancer patients report abdominal pain, described as an 'intermittent crampy feeling.' Martin then began experiencing severe constipation. 4 Though colorectal cancer can sometimes be asymptomatic, a change in bowel habits or caliber of stool — as well as rectal bleeding or weight loss — are among the most common symptoms. M+Isolation+Photo – Though colon cancer can sometimes be asymptomatic, a change in bowel habits or stool — as well as rectal bleeding or weight loss — are among the classic symptoms. Experts maintain that constipation now and then isn't a cause for concern, but if you're normally regular — and then you're stopped up for weeks or months at a time — that's not normal and could be a sign that cancer is obstructing your bowels. 'If you notice persistent diarrhea, constipation or a change in the shape, size, consistency or frequency of your stool, don't simply brush it off as stress or diet changes,' Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon based in South Carolina and medical adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, previously told The Post. Also watch for fatigue. A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, is present in 30% to 75% of colorectal cancer patients and can contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Despite Martin's telltale symptoms, his initial bloodwork was normal, and it took six months for a specialist to recommend him for a colonoscopy. 4 Despite Martin's telltale symptoms, his bloodwork was normal, and it took six months for a specialist to recommend him for a colonoscopy. Instagram / tannerandshay Because of the rise in younger cases, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in 2021 to lower the recommended age to start screening from 50 to 45 for adults at average risk. By the time Martin underwent the procedure, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread from his colon to his liver. He was given a Stage 4 terminal diagnosis. According to the Washington Post, young people like Martin, who are of Native American descent, have the highest rate of colorectal cancer of any racial and ethnic group. Despite his grim prognosis, Martin finished college and found a job, but the fatigue from his treatments and the toll of five surgeries made it impossible for him to work. He began documenting his cancer journey on TikTok and Instagram, where his candor and optimism made him a viral sensation. 4 In 2024, in light of what appeared to be an effective treatment, Martin and Shay decided to start a family. The Washington Post via Getty Images Martin and his wife, Shay, also started the nonprofit Rebels Against Cancer. Martin, who had always dreamed of being a father, banked his sperm shortly after his diagnosis, as infertility is a common side effect of chemotherapy. In 2024, in light of what appeared to be an effective treatment for Martin, he and Shay decided to start a family. However, by 2025, Martin's condition had taken a turn for the worse, spreading to his lymph nodes, and he was uncertain whether he would live long enough to meet his daughter. He and Shay welcomed Amy Lou on May 15. Martin announced his untimely passing in a prerecorded video shared by Shay on Wednesday. He wanted to record a 'lighthearted' video ahead of his death so Shay could upload it and focus on grieving. Martin, who did not have life insurance, also recorded a separate video in which he shared that his dying wish was for fans to donate to his widow and newborn daughter through a GoFundMe fundraiser, 'to help replace what I would be there for.' 'For less than the price of a hot and spicy McChicken (Tanner's words…LOL), you can give them a future Tanner only wished he could stay to provide,' the page said. The fundraiser has raised over $500,000 so far.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Young people with colon cancer are often misdiagnosed. 2 women share the symptoms their doctors missed.
Rates of colon cancer in people under 50 have grown in recent decades. One study found that 82% of young colon cancer patients were misdiagnosed initially. Two women who had colon cancer in their 30s were told they had hemorrhoids or a parasite. Brooks Bell and Sarah Beran connected online in July 2023 over something unfortunate they had in common: they were both treated for colon cancer in their 30s after doctors misdiagnosed them. Now, they're working together to prevent others from having the same experience. Before Beran was told in 2020 at age 34 that she had colon cancer, she chalked her fatigue up to being a working mom with two young kids. And she presumed the blood that had started appearing in her stools was caused by hemorrhoids. "It was just a crazy time with the kids. They were so young. I was so tired all the time anyway, and I was just so busy," Beran, a stylist in LA, told Business Insider. The most common colon cancer symptoms in people under 50 are abdominal pain, changes to bowel movements such as going more or less frequently, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea, according to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open. But other symptoms include blood in feces, unexplained weight loss, anemia, and vomiting for no obvious reason. Many of these symptoms overlap with common digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, which means doctors tread a tightrope when it comes to diagnosing younger, generally healthy patients. In a 2017 survey of 1,535 colon cancer survivors under 50 conducted by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 82% said they were initially misdiagnosed. A 2020 survey by the charity Bowel Cancer UK of 1,073 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed under 50, and 222 people who responded on a patient's behalf, found 42% were told by doctors they were too young to develop the condition. Half of the participants didn't know they could get the disease at their age, and two thirds were initially diagnosed with conditions such as IBS, hemorrhoids, or anaemia. It's a challenge to make sure a symptom is attributed to the correct condition without scaring people while also not overlooking the early signs of colorectal cancer, Joshua Demb, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego, who studies early-onset colon cancer, previously told BI. A year into having IBS-like symptoms and needing to use the bathroom a lot more than usual, Beran's doctors sent her to a gastroenterologist who said she might have a parasite, but said it was likely nothing to worry about given her age, active lifestyle, and healthy diet. An at-home stool test for colon cancer detected no abnormalities. What are known as fecal immunochemical tests, or FIT, are about 80% accurate, according to the University of Colorado Cancer Center. When the bleeding got worse, Beran pushed for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. She said that doctors found a mass on her rectum and "over 100" polyps — small growths that are often harmless but can turn into cancer — on her colon. "It was quite shocking to hear the word 'cancer,'" she said. "Because I was so healthy, it just wasn't something that I thought would happen to me." Growing up, Beran played sports and, before her diagnosis, she exercised almost every day. She ate plenty of fruits and vegetables, too. Over two years, Beran was treated with 12 rounds of chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the cancerous tissues. She was given a temporary ileostomy connecting her small intestine to her abdomen to collect feces while her colon healed. In early 2022, doctors told her the cancer had spread to her lungs, which was treated with more surgery, as well as radiation therapy. She has been "cancer-free" for almost three years, she said. "I feel so silly looking back on it, but who's not tired, you know what I mean?" Beran said. While Beran was struggling with her symptoms in LA in 2019, Bell was seeking her own answers 2,500 miles away in North Carolina, after finding blood in her stool at age 38. The former CEO's doctor told her over the phone that she likely had hemorrhoids. When the bleeding didn't stop after a few weeks, Bell's doctor examined her in person and couldn't find hemorrhoids, but said they were probably higher up in her rectum. Sensing something wasn't right, Bell called a GI doctor without a referral, meaning it wasn't covered by her insurance. A colonoscopy revealed that she had stage 3 colon cancer, and was followed by three months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove 10 inches of her colon. In 2024, Bell hit the five-year cancer-free mark, where the likelihood that a cancer patient will have a recurrence drops. The cancer hasn't returned, but the worry never went away. "The treatment sucks, but the anxiety is so intense and is so persistent," she said, "you can't get away from it. It is barely tolerable." Bell is glad she trusted her instinct, despite being told several times the blood in her stool was nothing to worry about. "There were clues all along. You just needed to have someone who is willing to actually ask about your stool and really think about it, not shy away," she said. Overall, thanks to screening and lifestyle changes, fewer people are developing colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It estimates that in 2025, 107,320 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed. But Bell and Beran are among a growing number of younger people to develop the disease. One in five colon cancer cases in 2019 were in people under 54, up from one in 10 in 1995, according to ACS data published in 2023. The cause is unclear, but scientists have pointed to changes in the gut microbiome, antibiotic use, and environmental exposures as possible explanations. Beran reached out to Bell online after she saw her Lead From Behind campaign, which featured Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney getting colonoscopies on camera. In July 2023, they met on Zoom and decided to combine their respective skill sets to create Worldclass, a clothing line intended to reframe colonoscopies as cool. They sell tote bags with the irreverent slogan "colonoscopy enthusiast" printed on, and streetwear-style tracksuits stitched with the the word "ass." In the US, people are advised to get their first colon cancer screening at 45, partly because age is a risk factor for developing polyps. However, if someone younger has more than one symptom of colon cancer, they should consider getting a colonoscopy, Dr. James Cleary, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, previously told BI. During a colonoscopy, patients are either sedated or under general anesthetic while a thin tube with a camera on the end is put in the rectum and colon to check for polyps. They must fast and take a laxative in the days before the procedure. If polyps are found, they can often be removed then and there, meaning the procedure can help prevent colon cancer. "They're actually more like a fast, cleanse, then a nap. It's actually almost like a spa appointment," Bell said of a colonoscopy. "We could be reframing it in positive ways, where it's just a self-care wellness kind of experience." She added: "People do not know that it's this empowering, hopeful thing that can actually protect you from this major threat." Read the original article on Business Insider
