Addressing Colorectal Cancer Concerns in Younger Generations

Rick Rivers was blindsided when he found out, at just 31 years old, that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It was startling to him — no one had ever mentioned that his grandfather had died from the same illness. In his family, topics like diabetes were discussed openly, but cancer? That was different, especially when it involved such sensitive areas of the body.

Rivers, a father of three from Williamstown, New Jersey, reflects, “There’s a shame factor associated with talking about certain parts of your body and how they aren’t functioning properly.” This silence surrounding colorectal cancer can be particularly concerning, given that it affects Black individuals like Rivers more frequently and is often more deadly.

Colorectal cancer rates are rising, and it’s currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among those under 50. Dr. Neil Parikh, a gastroenterologist at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, finds this trend concerning because, he emphasizes, colorectal cancer is preventable.

These tumors often take years to develop, which means that regular screenings, like colonoscopies or fecal tests, could catch issues early when they’re much more manageable. “If you spot a polyp and remove it, you can prevent it,” Parikh explains. Yet, despite knowing this, the number of cases continues to rise.

Insurance limitations and a lack of awareness about screening options can hinder access. However, the overriding challenge, as Parikh sees it, is the stigma surrounding discussions about bowel health.

Younger individuals, in particular, are often uncomfortable discussing gastrointestinal issues. Parikh humorously notes that while children might find farting amusing, as people grow older, those topics become more taboo—except for the much older generations, who often share their struggles with bowel health in great detail. It creates a strange dynamic in human communication.

For younger adults, the reluctance to share symptoms like bloody stools or changes in bowel habits can lead to significant health risks. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s research indicates that many young patients’ warning signs often get overlooked, which delays necessary diagnosis and treatment. According to Michael Sapienza, the Alliance’s CEO, young people, especially those under 45, need to advocate for themselves when they encounter symptoms.

Unfortunately, insurance coverage for screening typically starts at age 45, allowing many early-stage cancers to slip through the cracks. Consequently, around 75% of colorectal cancer cases in younger individuals are diagnosed at later stages.

Sapienza urges anyone under 45 who has symptoms or a family history of colorectal cancer to request testing, even if they may not qualify for free screenings. These tests might be classified as diagnostic, which could result in some out-of-pocket expenses, or require additional authorization from insurers.

Many patients find themselves putting off these tests, too occupied with their daily responsibilities or hesitant to discuss matters that they would rather avoid.

After 13 years and numerous surgeries, Rivers is now cancer-free and feels a strong motivation to change the conversation around cancer screenings for his peers. “I always try to advocate for it whenever I’m with friends or even at family gatherings,” he shares.

Rivers has found that successfully convincing someone to get screened often involves building trust and tailoring the conversation to their personal priorities—like the importance of being there for their children. “It’s about connecting with what matters most to them,” he reflects, noting that this approach typically yields better results.

So far, Rivers has successfully encouraged several friends and fellow parents to pursue screenings, emphasizing the importance of speaking up about these health issues.