Colon cancer risk rising for young people. A recent study has found that Americans under 55 are seeing more colon and rectal cancer cases, with rates rising quickly. If you were born in 1990, you have twice the likelihood of developing colon cancer as if you were born in the ’50s. Since screenings are not common for patients under 50, when these cancers are diagnosed, they are often found at later stages. While there has been a notable increase in colon cancer cases among the population, future studies are required to answer the big question: why? Some symptoms to look out for are cramps, weight loss, constipation, bloating, and bloody stool. Since these symptoms can fall under the umbrella of so many other benign conditions, they are often ignored until the cancer worsens; this is why it’s so important to see a doctor immediately and to be prepared to get second and third opinions to be absolutely safe.