Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to pose a significant health challenge worldwide, with increasing incidence rates and notable shifts in demographics. In 2023, according to the American Cancer Society, approximately 153,020 individuals in the United States were diagnosed with CRC, and 52,550 succumbed to the disease. Alarmingly, 19,550 of these cases and 3,750 deaths occurred in individuals younger than 50 years, highlighting a concerning trend of early-onset CRC.

The proportion of CRC diagnoses among adults under 55 has risen from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019, underscoring the increasing impact on younger populations.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

One of the challenges in early detection is that CRC can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, common warning signs may include:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that

lasts more than a few days)

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain
• A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness

“The good news is that if caught early, colorectal cancers are highly treatable and have a good prognosis,” said Dr. Anamaria Garza, gastroenterology colorectal surgeon at Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. “This underscores the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.”

Despite these alarming statistics, colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Screening methods, such as colonoscopy, can identify and remove precancerous polyps, significantly reducing the risk of developing cancer. However, many individuals remain unscreened due to perceived invasiveness or lack of awareness.