--- title: Screenings in Your 20s and 30s Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer description: Clinical guidance on Colorectal Cancer image: https://info.summusglobal.com/hubfs/blog_graphics/screenings_20-30_1200x400.png --- [Skip to content](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/clinical-guidance-colorectal-cancer#main-content) [![Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Summus_logos/summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png?width=200&height=37&name=summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png "Summus")](https://www.summusglobal.com/) [Log In](https://app.summusglobal.com/Login) February 26, 2024 # Screenings in Your 20s and 30s Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer ![Picture of Nancy Creech, MD, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email_headshots/nancy_creech.png?width=50&name=nancy_creech.png) [Nancy Creech, MD, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/nancy-creech-md-vp-of-clinical-operations) [Share this page on Facebook](mailto:?body=https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/clinical-guidance-colorectal-cancer) ![screenings\_20-30\_1200x400](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_graphics/screenings_20-30_1200x400.png?width=6360&height=2120&name=screenings_20-30_1200x400.png) Colon cancer incidence among younger people, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, has been on the rise in recent years, which has prompted discussions about screening and early detection. It is unclear why there is an uptick in colon cancer in this age group, but sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, low-fiber, high-fat diets or diets high in processed meats, and other environmental factors have all been associated with the disease.  Here are some points to consider when talking to your physician about colon cancer screening and symptoms that may warrant a colonoscopy at an early age: **Know the Risk Factors** Understanding the risk factors associated with colon cancer can help you have a more informed discussion with your physician. While age is a significant risk factor, there are other factors such as family history of colon cancer or polyps, certain genetic syndromes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Initiate the Conversation Early Don't hesitate to bring up the topic of colon cancer screening during your regular check-ups, especially if you have concerns or risk factors. Even if you're in your 20s or 30s, it's essential to discuss your personal and family medical history with your physician. Symptoms to Watch For While colon cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, some signs may indicate a need for further evaluation, including: - Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool) - Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool - Abdominal pain or cramping - Unexplained weight loss - Feeling like your bowel doesn't empty completely - Iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count) Discuss Screening Options Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening as it allows for both detection and removal of precancerous polyps during the procedure. However, there are other screening options available such as stool tests (like the fecal immunochemical test or FIT). Discuss with your physician which screening option is most appropriate for you based on your age and risk factors. Advocate for Yourself If you have symptoms that concern you or if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, don't hesitate to discuss with your provider, even if you're younger than the typical age for screening.  Follow Screening Guidelines While there are ongoing discussions in the medical community about potentially lowering the age for average-risk individuals to begin colon cancer screening, it's essential to follow current guidelines. These guidelines recommend starting screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals, but those with higher risk factors may need to start screening earlier. Be sure to discuss the appropriate timing for screening with your physician. Save this information for later! Bookmark this page or [download the PDF version](https://info.summusglobal.com/hubfs/clinical_guidance_PDFs/Summus_Clinical%20Guidance_Screenings%20(1).pdf). > **Questions?**   1-917-565-8540  |  [partners@summusglobal.com](mailto:partners@summusglobal.com)  |  [http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard](http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard) [Clinical Guidance](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/clinical-guidance), [Oncology](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/oncology), [Colorectal Cancer](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/colorectal-cancer), [Colon Cancer](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/colon-cancer), [Gut Health](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/gut-health), [Cancer](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/cancer), [Cancer - Prevention/Screening](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/cancer-prevention-screening) ## Related posts [![](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20(87).png?height=200&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20(87).png)](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-things-to-consider-assessing-your-breast-cancer-risk) ## [Assessing Your Breast Cancer Risk](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-things-to-consider-assessing-your-breast-cancer-risk) August 15, 2024 [![](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20(6).png?height=200&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20(6).png)](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/navigating-cancer-with-confidence) ## [Your Guide to Navigating Cancer Care with Confidence](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/navigating-cancer-with-confidence) May 20, 2026 [![](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-05-29T103544.521.png?height=200&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-05-29T103544.521.png)](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-things-to-know-about-prostate-cancer-screening-and-early-detection) ## [What You Need to Know: Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-things-to-know-about-prostate-cancer-screening-and-early-detection) May 21, 2025 [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/summus-inc./) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/Summus-Global/61556820732995/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/summusglobal/) [Email Summus](mailto:partners@summusglobal.com) Summus 10 East 40th Street, Suite 1910, New York, NY 10016    |    +1 917.565.8540 ©2026, Summus Global, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nancy Creech, MD, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus", "url" : "https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/nancy-creech-md-vp-of-clinical-operations" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-15T16:32:54.158Z", "datePublished" : "2024-02-26T19:10:13.000Z", "headline" : "Screenings in Your 20s and 30s Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/clinical-guidance-colorectal-cancer", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.summusglobal.com/hubfs/Summus_logos/summus2023_horizontal_rgb300_1916x343.png" }, "name" : "Summus Global" } } ```