March Marks Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Local Physicians Urge Screening as Colon Cancer Rates Rise Among Adults Under 50
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb. 26, 2026) — Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer related death among adults younger than 50 in the United States. Cases among people ages 20 to 49 have increased steadily since 2005 at an alarming rate, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. During Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, physicians at Birmingham Gastroenterology, who specialize in preventing and diagnosing colon cancer, are urging Alabamians to recognize symptoms, get screened at the recommended age and better understand their individual risk.
“Colon cancer should no longer be considered a disease that only affects older adults,” said Dr. Rajat Parikh, a gastroenterologist and managing partner at Birmingham Gastroenterology. “The continued rise in cases and deaths among people younger than 50 is deeply concerning and highlights the importance of early screening, prevention and awareness. A screening colonoscopy is the only medical test that can prevent colon cancer.”
In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its screening guidelines, recommending adults at average risk begin colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50. This change allows many health insurance plans to cover screening at an earlier age. A family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes may require earlier screening.
“At Birmingham Gastroenterology, we recommend colonoscopy as the preferred screening option because it allows gastroenterologists to detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, helping prevent cancer before it starts,” Parikh said. “The goal is to remove precancerous polyps so patients never develop colon cancer.”
While at-home stool and blood-based tests are becoming more common and are often marketed as a more convenient option, they are significantly less effective at detecting precancerous polyps, even large ones. These tests may also produce false positive or false negative results, leading to unnecessary follow-up testing, increased anxiety or missed cancers.
“Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer. At home screening tests may only detect cancer. Once cancer is diagnosed, treatment often involves surgery and possibly chemotherapy. Colonoscopy helps people avoid ever reaching that stage,” Parikh said.
A positive result from any at home screening test still requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
Although colon cancer often develops without symptoms, warning signs may include blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained anemia and unexplained weight loss. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Physicians at Birmingham Gastroenterology encourage adults to speak with their health care provider about a screening colonoscopy and take proactive steps to reduce their risk through preventive care and healthy habits.
To learn more about colon cancer or to schedule a screening colonoscopy, visit bgapc.com.