Bryce Ramsey from Madison, Mississippi, was just 33 when she found out she had colorectal cancer. She initially thought the blood she noticed in her stool was due to hemorrhoids from giving birth eight years earlier. It didn’t really cross her mind that cancer could be the issue.
“I had sort of made a mental note that if it continued, I’d reach out,” she explained. And, as it turned out, she saw more blood and decided to contact a gastrointestinal clinic. The doctor, despite Ramsey’s young age, felt an instinct to perform a scope. “Thank goodness she did,” Ramsey reflected. “They discovered a 5-centimeter polyp.”
After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she fought through stage 3 colon cancer. Now 40, she actively volunteers for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, working to spread awareness about early-onset colorectal cancer.
Her experience isn’t alone. In the United States, various types of cancer are increasingly affecting adults under 50. Notably, colorectal and breast cancers are seeing the highest rises, with colorectal cancer becoming the deadliest cancer for people aged 18 to 49.
So, what should you know about spotting early-onset cancers?
1. Family history plays a crucial role.
Researchers haven’t pinpointed a single cause for the increase in early-onset cancers, but multiple factors are at play. These include obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, exposure to microplastics, and gut health issues.
While there are general guidelines for cancer screenings—like starting mammograms at age 40—some doctors may suggest screenings for certain patients in their 20s, particularly if there’s a family history of cancer. Ramsey found out post-diagnosis that her grandfather had colorectal cancer. “Had I known, I would’ve been checked much earlier,” she said, revealing her doctor believed her tumor had been developing for several years.
After her own diagnosis, she encouraged her family members to get screened, resulting in her father, aunt, and brother also being diagnosed with colon cancer—yet they all survived with treatment. It can be a tough conversation to initiate with family, but Ramsey believes that discussing health history is essential. “Even a casual joke can break the ice,” she advised.
2. Report unusual symptoms promptly.
Being observant about bodily changes and communicating them to your doctor can provide vital information for assessing your cancer risk. Symptoms might include lumps in the breast, persistent abdominal pain, or unusual changes in bowel habits, according to oncologist Veda Giri from Yale Cancer Center. “Blood in stools or unexplained fatigue should definitely be brought up with a physician,” Giri emphasized.
3. Engage in dialogue about screenings.
With at-home cancer tests being heavily promoted, it’s tempting to opt for those rather than getting a proper screening. However, Giri warns not all tests are equally reliable, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider first.
“Some at-home tests might create unnecessary worry or a false sense of security,” she stated. Even if one chooses an at-home test, consulting a doctor afterward is important, especially if results are abnormal, as this could lead to further necessary testing.
People and Policy
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently revised guidelines, lowering the recommended start age for mammograms from 50 to 40. Yet there’s still debate among various organizations about the frequency of these screenings. Similarly, in 2021, the task force suggested beginning colonoscopies at 45 for those with average risk. Building a relationship with a trusted medical professional can aid patients in navigating these evolving guidelines.
If you’re unsure about your personal cancer risk or when to start screenings, establishing rapport with a healthcare provider is one of the best steps you can take. It’s also an option to consult with a genetic specialist who can help assess your cancer risk through genetic testing.
