Colorectal Cancer Is On The Rise In Young Women — Here’s What You Need To Know

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer — which affects the large intestine of your digestive system — is the third most common type of cancer in the world.¹ Every year, 154,270 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 53,000 die from it, making it the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.² ³

What’s even more concerning is that colorectal cancer symptoms can easily be mistaken for stress-related stomach issues, making early detection tricky. And here’s the kicker — cases are increasing fast, especially in women. In 2022 alone, 1.8 million new cases were reported, and enough of these were early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed under age 50), causing doctors to lower the routine screening age to 45.¹ ⁴ Bottom line? It’s time to take cancer screening more seriously.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to learn about risk factors and screenings. To help you better understand the disease and prepare for your next doctor’s appointment, we tapped Dr. Susan Zhang, Global Colorectal Cancer Development Lead of Pfizer’s Oncology division. Every day, Dr. Zhang and her team at Pfizer are working to help advance breakthroughs and innovation that aim for brighter outcomes for patients facing colorectal cancer.

When it comes to protecting yourself against colorectal cancer, here’s what you need to know.

1. The Current Screening Age Excludes The Majority Of Millennial Women

Although the routine screening age for colorectal cancer has been adjusted from 50 to 45, there are no screening requirements for colorectal cancer in women below that age range, unless with certain known risk factors. At the same time, adults under under 50 are twice as likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer as those born in 1950.⁵

Also, women are experiencing a higher incidence rate compared to previous years. Without proper screening or early detection, lots of cases are going undetected until the disease has already spread to other areas of the body. Roughly 20% of patients with colorectal cancer are not diagnosed until it has already metastasized, making it much more difficult to treat and negatively impacting prognosis.⁶

2. Millennial Women Face Multiple Barriers Accessing Early Screening & Diagnosis

One of the biggest barriers to early screening and diagnosis, according to Dr. Zhang, is a lack of awareness and a misconception of risk.

“Young women often underestimate their risk, which can delay when they seek medical evaluation for symptoms,” Zhang explains. “Common symptoms of colorectal cancer including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue, are also often attributed to less serious conditions or gynecological conditions, leading to delays in seeking care.”

Other barriers to catching early-onset colorectal cancer include limited screening recommendations, high cost of care, a lack of family history knowledge, and embarrassment surrounding bowel habits. Then, there’s the possibility of physicians not taking a young person’s symptoms seriously due to their age and perceived risk.

This puts the responsibility on the patient to do their own research, which can be exhausting, leading them to avoid going to the doctor in the first place. After all, it’s easier to simply assume: “I’m young! I’m fine! My symptoms will pass!”

3. Understanding Risk Factors And Advocating For Yourself

As the incidence of colorectal cancer in young women rises, it’s crucial to know the risk factors along with the warning signs and symptoms.

According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors include having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a diagnosis of genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and a history of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.⁷ Lifestyle factors like obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in red or processed meats, smoking and heavy alcohol use also increase your chances.⁷

Common gastrointestinal issues can often be attributed to stress, even if they overlap with potential cancer symptoms. So don’t take anything for granted.

Dr. Zhang recommends talking to your doctor about concerns of colorectal cancer if you notice any of the following:

• Indigestion, mild abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits last longer than a few weeks or worsen over time
• Gastrointestinal bleeding, including blood in the stool or vomit
• Constipation or diarrhea becoming increasingly frequent, or a permanent change in stool caliber and/or consistency occurs (think: pencil-thin stools)
• Unexplained weight loss or significant appetite changes paired with abdominal pain
• Persistent extreme or unexplained fatigue, potentially indicating a more systemic issue

If you’re experiencing any of the above and are part of an at-risk demographic, ask your general practitioner about early screening options. This may include a stool-based test or a medical procedure like a colonoscopy. In this case, being proactive can save lives.

4. Advanced Screening Tools And Clinical Trials Aim For Better Outcomes

Thankfully, healthcare professionals and scientists are working hard to create a brighter future for colorectal cancer patients and survivors. With genetic profiling tests, doctors can more easily identify specific mutations present in tumors, making a more tailored treatment approach possible. This standard of care has been the norm in lung and breast cancer for a long time, but colorectal cancer has just recently been catching up.

Luckily, the Pfizer Oncology study team has continued to advance the next generation of cancer breakthroughs. The company has a long legacy of developing medicines for some of the hardest-to-treat cancers, innovating science and helping people with cancer live better and longer lives.

5. Early Detection And Awareness Makes Survival Possible

Just thinking about cancer can be scary, but it could save your life.

This was the case with Lily Hickey, a mother, wife, and a People Experience Lead at Pfizer. After feeling a pain in her side, Lily didn’t sound any alarm bells because she had recently given birth. Her gynecologist referred her to a gastrointestinal doctor, who ordered a colonoscopy. The team identified a tumor and diagnosed her with colorectal cancer, which had already advanced to stage 3. Her treatment team scheduled an emergency surgery to remove the mass, removed 24 lymph nodes additionally, and started her on a regimen of chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from spreading.

After 14 months of treatment, Lily could say she beat cancer. Yet her experience is an important reminder that this disease can affect anyone at any time, and awareness makes the difference between stages.

“Advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, especially as a young woman seeking earlier colorectal cancer screening, can be challenging—but is important if you have risk factors or symptoms that concern you,” Zhang explains. “If you have a negative experience with a healthcare provider, if your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, or if you simply want a second opinion, meet with another provider. Repeat until you’ve found a good fit.”

Learn more about advocating for your colorectal health during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Check out Pfizer’s resources for advocating for your colorectal health.