Early research also indicates there could be some differences in symptoms between men and women.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among adults under 50, according to January 2026 research published in JAMA—and recent headlines involving younger celebrities’ battles with it, including actor James Van Der Beek‘s death from it at age 48, have put the spotlight on a disease many still associate with advanced age.
But that belief isn’t necessarily true, according to Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and author of the upcoming book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.
She explains, “One of the most surprising things we want to reframe is that colorectal cancer is not just a disease of older people.” And while most gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms turn out to be benign, Dr. Pasricha says that the increase in colon cancer rate is changing how doctors evaluate everyday digestive complaints.
Ahead, see which symptoms you should especially pay attention to, whether they’re different for women versus men, and when to speak to your doctor about them. Plus, Dr. Pasricha shares top advice aimed at further reducing your colon cancer risk.
About the expert
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Signs of colorectal cancer you shouldn’t ignore
It’s important to note that these listed symptoms don’t automatically point to cancer. But Dr. Pasricha emphasizes that they warrant a check-in with your doctor to determine whether you should be screened or monitored over time.
Symptoms might also show up differently in men and women due to potential patterns in tumor location. Research published in 2025 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine suggests that women are more likely to develop colon cancer on the right side while men are more prone to left-sided tumors. But Dr. Pasricha explains that much more data is needed to confirm any gender-based differences.
Still, these unresolved research questions underscore why it’s so important to bring up any new gut issues with your doctor, even if they seem minor or a bit awkward to discuss.
“There are statistics [that show] about a third of people will put off talking to their doctor about gut symptoms because they’re embarrassed,” says Dr. Pasricha. But medical professionals want to know what’s going on down there, she assures—and delayed diagnoses can make treatment trickier.
1. Unexplained abdominal pain
Occasional cramps are common, but ongoing, unexplained pain deserves evaluation. “It doesn’t have to be this big, sharp, 10 out of 10 emergency-level pain, either,” Dr. Pasricha says. “When we’re talking about colorectal cancer, it’s often this vague, dull, brewing abdominal pain that kind of came out of nowhere.”
For instance, colon cancer on the right side—which may be more common in women—is associated with vague abdominal symptoms. This can include unexplained back pain or upper gastrointestinal discomfort per the Journal of Clinical Medicine research.
2. Changes in bowel habits
New constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool appearance can be concerning. That’s why, even if it feels a bit strange, it’s important for people to get more familiar with their own bowel movements, Dr. Pasricha says. “The thing that I want people to do is get in the habit of looking at their poop after they have a bowel movement, really knowing their own pattern so that they’re able to identify when something’s changed,” she says.
In particular, a narrow, ribbon-shaped stool is associated with colon cancer, particularly if the tumor is on the left side, as it blocks the intestine. Left-sided colorectal cancer tends to be more common in men, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine research.
3. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Any blood in the stool—whether bright red, maroon, or black and tarry—should prompt immediate medical attention. For cases of left-sided colon cancer, blood in the stool is often one of the first symptoms reported due to the tumor’s proximity to the rectum.
Dr. Pasricha explains that in the past, rectal bleeding in a young person would often be dismissed as hemorrhoids without much further investigation. She says, “It’s still most likely hemorrhoids or something benign, but today, we are much more careful to make sure that we confirm it’s not cancer because of the rising cases.”
4. Iron-deficiency anemia
You need bloodwork to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, but it can be an important clue—especially for younger women. Dr. Pasricha explains, “A lot of young women have iron deficiency anemia, and there’s often a presumption that it’s because you’re losing blood through your period.”
But if that explanation doesn’t fit—like if you don’t have heavy periods—make sure you get checked out by your doctor, especially if you have other GI symptoms.
5. Unintentional weight loss
Losing weight without trying should always be evaluated, particularly if it occurs alongside digestive changes, Dr. Pasricha cautions.
6. Unusual IBS patterns
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often know their typical patterns, Dr. Pasricha says. While people with IBS may experience a wider range of patterns, they should not brush off new, worsening, or different symptoms as “just IBS.” Unusual bowel patterns are always worth getting assessed by a medical professional.
7. Family history
While family history is not a symptom, it can lend weight to other signs of colon cancer and affect when you should get screened. Dr. Pasricha says, “Colorectal cancer does have a genetic component, and that is why we screen people who have a family history earlier. Almost a quarter of cases could have been prevented—or at least could have been caught [and treated] earlier—had we done the appropriate screening based on their own family history.”
For average-risk adults, experts recommend colorectal screening begin at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, reach out to your doctor to see when and how often you should be screened.
How to lower your colorectal cancer risk
With cases of colorectal cancer rising among younger people, Dr. Pasricha says that doctors are realizing that the risk factors occur earlier in life than previously thought. “Meaning what you do in your teenage years, in your twenties, in your thirties really matters,” Dr. Pasricha says.
However, she emphasizes that it’s never too late to make healthy changes. “Around half of cancer risk comes from modifiable risk factors,” she says. “Even small changes add up.” Here are her best tips.
Eat more fiber
“We know from decades of studies that fiber can be protective against cancer—and specifically against colorectal cancer.” Dr. Pasricha says research suggests that every additional 10 grams of fiber per day—about a cup of beans—is associated with roughly a 10% drop in colorectal cancer risk.
…And fewer ultra-processed foods
“There was one study recently linking ultra-processed foods to colon polyps,” Dr. Pasricha explains. These foods contain additives that may play a role, but a major issue is what they lack: “Most are high in sugar, high in salt, and very low in fiber,” she says.
Move your body—even a little
Exercise lowers cancer risk, while prolonged sitting raises it—but you don’t need extreme workouts to benefit. In one large-scale study using wearable fitness trackers, researchers found that just a few minutes of “vigorous physical activity” per day was linked to lower cancer risk. “It’s encouraging that you don’t have to go from zero to 100,” Dr. Pasricha says.
Limit alcohol
“Alcohol directly seems to mutate the DNA in the cells that line the gut, and so we think that’s part of why it increases the risk of colorectal cancer,” Dr. Pasricha says. The good news is that whenever you reduce your alcohol intake, you start to reap short- and long-term health benefits.
Cut back on processed and red meat
“Processed meats have been very strongly defined in animal models and human studies as an important risk factor,” Dr. Pasricha says, including hot dogs, bacon, cured meats, and lunch meats. But red meat may also present a higher risk. She advises limiting red meat to no more than three servings per week and minimizing processed meats as much as possible.
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