Link: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/12/colon-cancer-leading-deaths

Experts warn younger people not to dismiss symptoms such as rectal bleeding as diagnoses rise for those under 50+

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in the US for people under 50, according to a new analysis from the American Cancer Society, prompting both experts and those in that age group with the disease to warn others to take certain symptoms seriously.

Becca Lynch, who works in cyber security in Denver, Colorado, was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer last year, when she was just 29. At first, she assumed her symptoms couldn’t be anything serious: “I chalked it up to stress,” she said.

Now, she is careful to describe her symptoms in great detail, not because they’re fun to talk about, but because she doesn’t want other people to miss the signs.

People say to get checked early. How do we do that for colorectal cancer?

FIT test. They check your poop.

Also: Colonoscopies

They're not fun, but they're important.

Great! I totally understand the need for colonoscopy, but I'm glad there's a non invasive option, because they can be done more regularly

Colonoscopy is now an industry. There are times when it is prudent but it is invasive and dangerous and certainly overused.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) | Colorectal Cancer Alliance https://share.google/zpMiFnWssKtIhfR4d

In Canada, everyone is asked to do this at age 50. The second you turn 50, you get the poop letter.

If you are in the US I dont think they are covered unless theres an absolute reason for it or when you turn 45 for some people and 50 for everyone else. Like usual, so glad they get to dictate the absolute bare minimum for us.

Whew! Just turned 50, glad I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Check your family history because that can count as a reason to cover it.