NORFOLK, Va. — More Americans are getting diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer at earlier ages, according to UC Davis Health.
For years cancers have been associated with people over the age of 50, but colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death for men under 50 and the second cause of cancer death in women in that age group.
It's a trend also seen in Hampton Roads.
"We are now encouraging people to come in and get checked out by the age of 45," said Dr. Michael Ney, a gastroenterologist with Riverside Health System. "It could be even earlier, especially if a family member has had a diagnosis."
The warning signs, or symptoms, can include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss and blood in stool.
However, Dr. Ney said a person can have colorectal cancer and not exhibit any of the typical symptoms.
It's also possible by the time a person is showing symptoms that the cancer could have progressed.
"This is all about risk, right? Measuring the amount of risk a person has," said Dr. Ney. " Just because someone is presenting with symptoms does not necessarily mean that they are going to be at an advanced stage, but the chance of that is much higher if a patient is presenting with symptoms."
Dr. Ney and several other doctors are pushing people to consider getting a cancer screening to detect any colorectal cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 90% of the people diagnosed within the first stage of colorectal cancer live past the five-year relative survival rate. This number drops dramatically if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and beyond.
If you are 45 or older, Dr. Ney said it is time to consider booking a colonoscopy at your earliest convenience.