Bowel cancer rates have increased by more than 50% among people aged 25 to 49 since the early 1990s, prompting a major new study into why the disease is increasingly affecting younger adults. Cancer Research UK has launched the PROSPECT-UK study, which aims to recruit 250,000 UK adults to help identify potential causes.
The rise in younger adults
While bowel cancer remains much more common in older people, the number of cases among 25 to 49-year-olds has grown significantly over recent decades. The reasons are not yet fully understood, with the study set to investigate whether diet, lifestyle, gut health and environmental exposures could be playing a role.
Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite, said: “Bowel cancer is still far more common in older adults, but the rise we are seeing in younger people is an important reminder that age should not automatically be used as a reason to dismiss symptoms. Many of the symptoms associated with bowel cancer are extremely common and can have much less serious causes, which is why people can sometimes put them down to stress, their diet or something they have eaten.”
Six symptoms to watch for
According to Dr Maula, there are several changes people should be aware of, particularly if they persist or are unusual for them. These include:
- Blood in your poo, which can easily be mistaken for piles
- A persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation
- Persistent bloating or stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual tiredness or breathlessness, which can be linked to anaemia
- Feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
Dr Maula said: “Seeing blood in your poo can be particularly easy to dismiss as haemorrhoids, while changes in bowel habits can be blamed on stress or diet. Of course, these symptoms are often caused by something much less serious, but that does not mean you should ignore them if they keep happening.”
Why are younger people affected?
Cancer Research UK says the reasons behind the increase among younger adults are not yet known. The PROSPECT-UK study will follow participants over time to investigate potential links with diet, lifestyle, gut health and environmental exposures.
Dr Maula cautioned against assuming one particular food, habit or lifestyle factor is responsible. She said: “It is important not to jump to conclusions about why rates are increasing while researchers are still investigating the causes.”
Most changes in bowel habits will not be caused by bowel cancer, but persistent or unusual symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Dr Maula added: “There is a tendency among younger people to wait and see if symptoms disappear, particularly when they are busy or think there is an obvious explanation. If something is persistent, getting worse or simply feels different from your normal, it is worth speaking to your GP. Being young does not mean you should ignore warning signs.”
