Surgeon gives patients one key piece of advice to help prevent colon cancer early as cases rise in under 50s

A doctor has opened up about an important tip when it comes to preventing colon cancer, and one patient group it is affecting more.

While most forms of cancer mostly affect older patients, colon cancer is different in that it is increasing in younger patients, which in cancer terms means people under 50.

Cancer Research UK has issued a report that the condition is on the rise in this patient group especially, though the precise cause of this is not yet clear.

Colon cancer, which is also referred to as bowel cancer, is the third most common form of cancer around the world according to the World Cancer Research Fund.

It is where there is a tumour anywhere within the large bowel.

Alarmingly, unlike other forms of cancer such as lung cancer, colon cancer can be more difficult to spot early as its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, so patients may not realise until it's too late.

Now, colon and rectal surgeon with Northwell Health Dr Parul Shukla has revealed one thing that he shares with his patients about the condition.

Dr Parul Shukla has revealed the one key piece of advice he gives to his patients (Northwell Health)

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

The NHS has shared some symptoms of colon cancer, which might include:

• Changes in your pooing habits
• Blood in your poo (may look red or black)
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet
• Tummy pain
• A lump in your tummy
• Bloating
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling very tired for no reason

What Dr Shukla recommends

Dr Shukla works in New York, and said that people should consider beginning screenings for colon cancer earlier in their life.

Given that the symptoms can be difficult spot, screening people who are at a higher risk is a way to potentially catch the disease earlier.

He also advised people to be open about the condition, and urged them not to be embarrassed.

“[This has] always been one of my requests to people: Please don’t be shy to discuss the findings of your colonoscopy with your children or with your siblings, because you might save a life," he told the New York Post.

“If my father had an advanced adenoma, I should know about it, because that would mean that I would need to be screened at least five or 10 years earlier than the screening age, because that history is as strong as if you would have had a cancer.

“Please don’t be shy to let them know.

“If you don’t mind, tell them that this is what I have, and I think that’s going to impact on your age for screening.”

Colon cancer is particularly affecting young people (SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty)

'Shocking' data

Dr Shukla revealed that the data is giving strong indications that more younger patients are being diagnosed with colon cancer.

“Actually, the data is quite shocking," he said.

And it's not just younger people either, but another patient cohort who appear to be more at risk.

“You’ll be surprised to hear, in the under 50s, women are getting colorectal cancer at an enhanced rate as compared to men," he said.

“It’s actually flipped the rate … so it’s a frightening statistic, but unfortunately, in the younger age group, women are getting colorectal cancer more than men.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.