Overview

• Bowel cancer diagnoses in young adults aged 25-49 have risen by 52% between 1993 and 2019, according to Cancer Research UK.
• Dr Shireen highlights an 80% increase in young-onset cases over the past 30 years, emphasizing the importance of symptom awareness and early GP consultations.
• Core symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue, which the NHS advises should never be ignored.
• Rates among older adults have remained stable, prompting ongoing research into lifestyle, dietary, genetic, and environmental factors behind the rising early-onset cases.
• Public health campaigns aim to improve outcomes through early detection, with Dr Shireen urging young people to seek medical advice for concerning symptoms without delay.