Rising Rectal Cancer Signs Prompt Early Screening in Younger Adults

The article explains that rectal cancer, part of colorectal cancer, commonly presents with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, along with changes in bowel habits, fatigue and anemia. Rates are rising among adults under 50, with projections that rectal cancer could become a leading cancer death cause for that group by 2035 if trends continue. Experts cite factors like a Western diet and obesity, and emphasize regular screening (colonoscopy or stool tests starting at age 45 for average risk, earlier with family history) and lifestyle changes such as a Mediterranean-style diet to reduce risk, while noting that any GI change should be investigated promptly since cancer can be asymptomatic in some people.