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Colon cancer cases are increasing in people under 55
Why more young adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer: Oncologist Dr Ravi K Gupta shares risk factors and symptoms
Why more young adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer: Oncologist Dr Ravi K Gupta shares risk factors and symptoms
Published on: Aug 2, 2026, 14:09:49 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Colorectal cancer diagnoses are increasing among younger people, prompting calls for earlier screening. (Freepik)Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults. Oncologist explains the lifestyle factors behind the rise, warning signs and when to get screened.
For decades, colorectal cancer was considered a disease that primarily affected older adults. However, that trend is changing. According to experts, an increasing number of younger people are now being diagnosed with the disease, prompting greater awareness about lifestyle-related risk factors and the importance of early screening. Speaking about the growing concern, oncologist Dr Ravi K Gupta shared on an August 2 Instagram post, "Over the past 30 years, colorectal cancer has been steadily rising in younger adults across the world. Today, nearly one in five new colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 55, highlighting a worrying shift in disease patterns." (Also read: Oncologist gives cow urine 'minus 10' for cancer, rates Giloy, turmeric, green tea and other popular remedies )How has the gut microbiome changed
According to Dr Gupta, one possible explanation lies in changes to the gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria that live inside the digestive tract and play a crucial role in overall health. "Research suggests that low dietary fibre intake, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods and repeated exposure to antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome. Certain bacterial species, including some strains of E. coli and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been linked to colorectal cancer in scientific studies," he explained. Dietary habits have also changed significantly over the past few decades. "Compared to previous generations, people today consume far more ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages and calorie-dense meals, while eating much less fibre. Large population studies have consistently associated a higher intake of ultra-processed foods with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly among men," Dr Gupta said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ravi K Gupta, M.D. (@dr.ravikgupta)Metabolic health plays a key role
Poor metabolic health may also contribute to the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer. "People living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance or low levels of physical activity appear to have a higher risk. These conditions can promote chronic inflammation and hormonal changes, including elevated insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which researchers believe may influence cancer development," he noted. In response to the increasing number of cases among younger adults, screening recommendations have evolved. "Recognising this trend, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended screening age for people at average risk from 50 to 45 years. Individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary cancer syndromes may need to begin screening even earlier," Dr Gupta said.Symptoms that should never be ignored
While the majority of people under 50 will never develop colorectal cancer, experts stress that age should not be a reason to dismiss warning signs. "Symptoms such as blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and iron-deficiency anaemia should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Being young should never delay medical assessment if these symptoms are present," Dr Gupta emphasised. Although colorectal cancer remains relatively uncommon in younger adults, its rising incidence underscores the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, including eating a fibre-rich diet, limiting ultra-processed foods, staying physically active and seeking timely medical evaluation for persistent digestive symptoms. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes. Dr Ravi K. Gupta is a board-certified internist and a haematology and medical oncology fellow in Miami, USA. He completed his MBBS from PGIMS Rohtak and earned his MD in Internal Medicine from Larkin Medical System, where he also served as Chief Resident. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Akanksha Agnihotri Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More Cancer Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs. Home/Lifestyle/Health/Why More Young Adults Are Being Diagnosed With Colon Cancer: Oncologist Dr Ravi K Gupta Shares Risk Factors And Symptoms See Less
For decades, colorectal cancer was considered a disease that primarily affected older adults. However, that trend is changing. According to experts, an increasing number of younger people are now being diagnosed with the disease, prompting greater awareness about lifestyle-related risk factors and the importance of early screening.
Speaking about the growing concern, oncologist Dr Ravi K Gupta shared on an August 2 Instagram post, "Over the past 30 years, colorectal cancer has been steadily rising in younger adults across the world. Today, nearly one in five new colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 55, highlighting a worrying shift in disease patterns." (Also read: Oncologist gives cow urine 'minus 10' for cancer, rates Giloy, turmeric, green tea and other popular remedies )
"Research suggests that low dietary fibre intake, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods and repeated exposure to antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome. Certain bacterial species, including some strains of E. coli and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been linked to colorectal cancer in scientific studies," he explained.
Dietary habits have also changed significantly over the past few decades. "Compared to previous generations, people today consume far more ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages and calorie-dense meals, while eating much less fibre. Large population studies have consistently associated a higher intake of ultra-processed foods with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly among men," Dr Gupta said.
"People living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance or low levels of physical activity appear to have a higher risk. These conditions can promote chronic inflammation and hormonal changes, including elevated insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which researchers believe may influence cancer development," he noted.
In response to the increasing number of cases among younger adults, screening recommendations have evolved. "Recognising this trend, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended screening age for people at average risk from 50 to 45 years. Individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary cancer syndromes may need to begin screening even earlier," Dr Gupta said.
"Symptoms such as blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and iron-deficiency anaemia should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Being young should never delay medical assessment if these symptoms are present," Dr Gupta emphasised.
Although colorectal cancer remains relatively uncommon in younger adults, its rising incidence underscores the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, including eating a fibre-rich diet, limiting ultra-processed foods, staying physically active and seeking timely medical evaluation for persistent digestive symptoms. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes.
Dr Ravi K. Gupta is a board-certified internist and a haematology and medical oncology fellow in Miami, USA. He completed his MBBS from PGIMS Rohtak and earned his MD in Internal Medicine from Larkin Medical System, where he also served as Chief Resident.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: cancer,colon cancer,Oncologist,Colon cancer symptomns,Colon cancer factors
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