In the United States (US), bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) has become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under 50. Statistics from the United Kingdom (UK) show that from the early 1990s to 2018, the number of adults aged 25-49 diagnosed with bowel cancer increased by 22 percent.
Regular screening for this disease in the UK begins at age 50, but experts warn that warning signs can appear earlier and must be checked immediately. As reported by Science Daily, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has published a checklist for use before visits to the family doctor.
Marylise Boutros, a colorectal cancer surgeon and member of the ACS Patient Education Committee, stated: “In many cases, when younger patients seek help for bowel symptoms, those symptoms are too often attributed to hemorrhoids or constipation and treated conservatively. As more young people develop colorectal cancer, recognizing the subtle signs and symptoms of the disease can save lives. ACS educational materials and the checklist were developed to help patients clearly express concerns and keep conversations about colorectal cancer focused.”
This disease is still more commonly diagnosed in older adults: in the UK, approximately one in 17 men and one in 20 women will develop the disease in their lifetime. Nevertheless, the number of diagnoses among younger people continues to rise, according to the Daily Express.
Based on the new ACS checklist, here are some key warning signs to watch for:
Persistent changes in bowel habits. Constipation, diarrhea, unusually narrow stools, or a long-term change in usual bowel habits can indicate an underlying problem. Some individuals may also feel as if their bowel has not completely emptied. Rectal pressure or discomfort may also occur. These symptoms can develop when a tumor causes inflammation or partially obstructs the bowel.
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Recurrent blood in stool. Blood in the stool is an important warning sign of bowel cancer, especially when it appears more than once. A study presented at the 2025 ACS Clinical Congress analyzed patients under 50 who underwent colonoscopy due to symptoms. Rectal bleeding was the strongest predictor of a bowel cancer diagnosis, increasing the likelihood by 8.5 times.
Changes in stool color or appearance. Changes in the appearance of stool can provide additional clues. Bright red stools, dark stools, or mucus in the stool may be associated with bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract, colon, or rectum. These changes do not always mean cancer, but if they persist or recur, they should be evaluated by specialists.
Unexplained changes in general health. Bowel cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions can sometimes cause symptoms affecting the entire body. Unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting can indicate a health problem that warrants consultation with a healthcare professional.
When to seek help. “Colorectal cancer diagnosed early is highly treatable, and advances in surgery allow for treatment with increasingly less invasive methods. I encourage patients to be proactive and use the checklist to start a conversation with their family doctor about any worrying bowel changes,” advises the doctor.
The National Health Service states that you should contact your family doctor if you experience any bowel symptoms for three weeks or longer.
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