A rising number of colon cancer diagnoses among younger adults has drawn urgent attention to early symptoms that can be mistaken for less serious conditions such as haemorrhoids.
Colon cancer is a type of colorectal cancer, which refers to cancers that begin in the colon or rectum. According to medical experts, symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. These symptoms may appear gradually and can sometimes be confused with other digestive conditions.
Doctors at Yale Medicine say diagnoses in younger adults have increased in recent years. Surgeons reported seeing more patients in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s receiving the diagnosis. In one recent period, seven patients diagnosed with rectal cancer at the practice were young adults, with the oldest aged 35 and the youngest aged 18.
Dr Haddon Pantel, a colorectal surgeon at Yale Medicine, said there has been a noticeable increase in cases among younger generations. He said, 'We are seeing a clear uptick in colorectal cancer in younger generations.' Medical specialists are now encouraging adults under the age of 45 to speak with doctors if they notice suspicious symptoms.
Symptoms That Doctors Say Should Not Be Ignored
Doctors say several symptoms may signal colon cancer and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. One of the most common signs is rectal bleeding, including blood visible in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement. Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrow stools that last longer than two weeks are also considered warning signs.
Other symptoms include unusual fatigue and low energy levels caused by blood loss. Some people may experience abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness earlier than usual when eating. In certain cases, patients may also notice weight loss without a clear reason.
Dr Vikram Reddy, a colorectal surgeon at Yale Medicine, advises medical evaluation if symptoms persist. He said, 'If anyone has any change in their bowel habits, if they have any bleeding—even if they think it's a haemorrhoid, and it doesn't go away—just get a colonoscopy.' Colonoscopy remains one of the primary diagnostic tests used to examine the colon.
28-Year-Old Mother's Diagnosis Highlights Early Symptoms
The issue gained public attention through the experience of Kalei Martin, a mother of two from Sacramento, California. Martin was 28 when she began experiencing stomach pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. At first, she believed the symptoms might be related to physical changes after pregnancy.
@kaleimartin_ all jokes aside wow what an amazing opportunity! #colorectalcancerawareness #fyp
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Her symptoms gradually worsened, including frequent trips to the bathroom and severe abdominal cramps. She also reported passing blood and clots during bowel movements. Initial medical visits suggested that the bleeding might be caused by an internal haemorrhoid because she was not anaemic.
After continued symptoms, Martin contacted a gastroenterology department and scheduled a colonoscopy. The procedure revealed stage 2 colorectal cancer with a tumour growing through the rectal wall but not yet spreading to lymph nodes. Doctors began treatment involving radiation therapy, chemotherapy medication, and intravenous chemotherapy using the drug FOLFOX.
Treatment And Ongoing Monitoring
Martin completed 25 rounds of pelvic radiation while taking chemotherapy tablets twice daily. After radiation treatment, she underwent four and a half months of intravenous chemotherapy. Later scans showed that the tumour had dissolved and she was declared NED, meaning 'no evidence of disease.'
Follow-up imaging in March 2025 revealed a small nodule in her lung. Additional tests later confirmed that the cancer had spread, resulting in a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis with lung metastases. She underwent two lung resection surgeries three weeks apart to remove the tumours.
Today, Martin remains under active monitoring with regular MRI scans, CT scans, and sigmoidoscopies. She shares her experience publicly to raise awareness about symptoms among younger adults.
