Colorectal cancer screening is not anyone’s favorite subject, but it’s too important to be ignored: Colorectal cancer – which includes both colon and rectal cancer – is one of the most preventable cancers because a screening can find precancerous polyps and remove them before they become cancer. So, for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, do one simple but potentially life-saving thing: check check whether you’re due for a screening and schedule it using your health plan benefits. If you are enrolled in a Transocean medical plan, your in-network preventive screening may be covered by the plan without any out-of-pocket costs. To confirm, please contact UnitedHealthcare.

Why we’re talking about this more – even for younger adults

Colorectal cancer is a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, along with esophageal, gastric (stomach), pancreatic, and liver cancers, and a few more rare cancer types. GI cancers, including colorectal cancer, have historically been most common in adults over age 50. However, recent trends show rising incidence among adults in their 40s — with growing concern about increases in even younger age groups.

But the concerning trend is how quickly colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger age groups: Compared with people born around 1950, those born around 1990 have about double the risk of colon cancer and roughly four times the risk of rectal cancer before age 50.

Unfortunately, the increase isn’t limited to adults in their 30s and 40s. A recent CDC-database analysis (1999–2020) reported dramatic jumps in the youngest age groups – more than tripling among ages 15–19 and nearly doubling among ages 20–24. While the overall numbers are still small compared to older adults, the increase underscores the importance of early – and possibly earlier – screening.

Why might rates be rising in younger people?

Experts don’t have one single answer yet. Discussions around possible causes include a mix of environmental and lifestyle shifts that affect the gut over time: changes in our diet, particularly more ultra-processed foods, more red/processed meat, and less fiber; higher obesity and metabolic disease; lower physical activity; and possible changes in the gut microbiome (including early-life exposures like antibiotics). Increased awareness and screening may explain some increase, but researchers don’t believe it explains it all.

The importance of screening (and using your benefits)

Some medical organizations now recommend starting regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 instead of age 50. Your health care provider can tailor when you should begin your screening based on your risk factors, so be sure to be honest about your lifestyle habits and to disclose any family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or certain inherited conditions.

Screening options may include a colonoscopy and at-home stool tests, depending on your age, risk factors, and what you and your provider choose - so don’t skip that annual preventative health visit.

Everyday habits that can help

Along with screening, these steps support colon health:

• Stop – or don’t start – smoking.
• Move more – aim for 30 minutes a day.
• Aim for fiber (beans, vegetables, fruit, whole grains) and hydrate.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Follow your doctor’s screening guidelines.

And at any age, do not ignore symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent bowel changes, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing abdominal pain: Get checked out by your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

While the uptick in colon cancer in younger populations is concerning, focus on what you can control: your lifestyle choices and scheduling a screening as recommended by your health care provider.