Don’t Normalize These Symptoms — They Could Mean Cancer

Every day we are hearing how more and more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer – and dying from it. And while every person’s story is unique, one message matters for all of us: colorectal cancer can affect people who don’t fit the “typical” profile — and the best time to act is before symptoms force the issue.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because we can screen for it and, in many cases, find and remove precancerous growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer. That’s a powerful capability,” says Dr. James Tabibian, Advanced GI expert and program leader at Adventist Health. “We can “look directly inside the colon… and find lesions before they become cancerous or before they become invasive.”

“We often picture colorectal cancer as something that happens only to older adults or only to people with certain lifestyle risks,” Dr. Tabibian explains. “But the reality is, it’s not that simple… even age isn’t a guarantee.”

Screening at 45 is the standard — but earlier screening may be needed for some

National recommendations generally advise average-risk adults to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. The right test and timing can vary depending on your health history, risk factors, and preferences, so it’s worth having an informed conversation with your care team rather than guessing.

By the time symptoms appear, it may be too late

One of the most important points Dr. Tabibian makes is also one of the easiest to misunderstand — “By the time symptoms develop, it may already be quite late,” he says. That doesn’t mean symptoms should be ignored — it means we shouldn’t wait for symptoms to start caring about prevention.

More plainly put, screening is a proactive step, and symptoms are a reactive step.

Symptoms people often Google (instead of getting checked)

It’s human to minimize or push through symptoms, especially ones that feel embarrassing, inconvenient, or easy to dismiss. But Dr. Tabibian encourages people not to brush off persistent, recurrent, or worsening changes.

Some symptoms that deserve medical attention include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Unintentional weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained anemia (which may show up on routine bloodwork as low hemoglobin/iron)
• Abdominal pain

• Change in bowel habits

These symptoms can have many causes — some minor, some serious. The point isn’t panic; the point is not guessing.

Dr. Tabibian notes that even people well under 45 with no family history can develop symptoms like bleeding or anemia — and that’s “an opportunity to not pass up.” It’s a window to take a closer look, potentially with a colonoscopy or other appropriate evaluation.

A common misstep is assuming rectal bleeding is “just hemorrhoids,” or that fatigue is “just stress.” Sometimes it is. But relying on self-diagnosis can delay care.

Dr. Tabibian advises creating a plan with your clinician rather than hoping the issue resolves on its own. “Set some metrics with yourself and your doctor.” That might sound like:

• “If this happens again in the next week, I’m calling my doctor.”
• “If the bleeding recurs, I’m scheduling a GI evaluation.”
• “If labs show anemia without a clear reason, we’re investigating.”

If you’re not sure where you fall, here’s a steady path forward:

1. If you’re 45 or older: Talk with your primary care clinician about getting screened.
2. If you’re under 45: Don’t assume you’re “too young” if you have concerning symptoms, significant family history, or unexplained anemia—ask.
3. If you notice bleeding, bowel changes, or unexplained fatigue/anemia: Make a plan for evaluation—especially if symptoms recur or worsen.
4. If you’re anxious about a colonoscopy, discuss options and what’s best for your situation. Multiple screening approaches are available for average-risk patients, and your care team can help you choose the right one.