Colon cancer rising among younger adults INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — While colon cancer was traditionally seen as a disease affecting older adults, recent trends show increasing rates in younger populations, including those in their late 20s and 30s. RELATED: Early colon cancer screening saves l ives, survivor tells his story Gabby Landsverk, senior health reporter at Business Insider, joined News 8 on Daybreak to shed light on this growing concern. Landsverk says diet is believed to be a major influence. “We know we’re all eating a lot more ultra-processed foods than we used to, and that’s likely playing a role,” she said. Other potential contributors include environmental factors like microplastics, lifestyle habits such as sleep patterns, and exposure to artificial light. Symptoms of colon cancer can be vague, making early detection challenging, but persistent abdominal pain and changes in bathroom habits are key warning signs. “Obviously, if you’re having a stomach ache, that can be a lot of other things beyond colon cancer,” she said. “But any sort of abdominal pain that sticks around is a major symptom. Doctors are also urging young people to look out for any changes to bathroom habits; any blood in the stool is a warning sign that you should get checked out.” Landsverk says ultimately, anything that doesn’t feel right for a long period of time should be brought to your doctor. To reduce the risk of colon cancer, Landsberg says increasing fiber intake through foods like whole grains, leafy greens, and nuts is recommended. Limiting alcohol and consumption of red and processed meats can also help. Though discussing colon cancer with a doctor can be scary, Landsberg says you shouldn’t be afraid to discuss your health. Landsverk emphasized that there are various screening options available beyond colonoscopies, many of which are non-invasive. “I think there’s a lot of stigma around color cancer screenings, a lot of fear around colonoscopies. Colonoscopies aren’t just the only way to get screened anymore. There’s a whole variety of tests that work for different people. Definitely go and get checked out. It’ll give you the peace of mind that you need.” ...read more read less