Rising Bowel Cancer in Young Adults: Doctors Share 10 Ways to Lower Risk

• Colorectal cancer, once primarily affecting older adults, is now increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals globally, including India.
• In India, 21-48% of cases are in people under 40, often diagnosed at advanced stages (III or IV) due to overlooked symptoms.
• Lifestyle factors like sedentary habits, processed foods, obesity, alcohol, smoking, stress, and gut microbiome changes contribute to the rise.
• Commonly ignored symptoms include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain.
• Doctors recommend 10 ways to reduce risk: increased fiber, avoiding processed food/red meat, maintaining weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol/smoking, hydration, gut health, stress/sleep control, body awareness, and early screening.