Bowel cancer is increasing among people under 50. In the UK, cases in younger adults have risen sharply since the 1990s. Many are unaware that the disease can affect them before later life.
James Van Der Beek, best known for Dawson’s Creek, died this week at 48 after being diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023. He said he had believed cancer mainly affected older or unhealthy people. However, he was fit and active when he first noticed subtle symptoms.
His early warning sign was a change in bowel habits. When it did not improve, he sought medical advice. A colonoscopy later confirmed the diagnosis.
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer can include ongoing changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the bottom, blood in the stool, stomach pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Some people also feel the need to use the toilet even after they have just been.
Medical experts advise not to ignore rectal bleeding or lasting changes in digestion, even in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. Early testing can detect cancer before it spreads.
The key message is clear: do not assume you are too young. If symptoms continue, speak to a doctor. Early detection can save lives.