Key Takeaways

Young adults with rectal bleeding could be at greater risk of colon cancer

Bleeding increased more than eightfold the odds of a colon cancer diagnosis

Family history increased risk by only twofold

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 8, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Rectal bleeding could be a powerful early warning sign of colon cancer among younger adults, a new study says.

Such bleeding increased more than eightfold the odds of a colon cancer diagnosis among people younger than 50, researchers reported Tuesday at the American College of Surgeons’ annual meeting in Chicago.

By comparison, a family history of colon cancer was tied to just a twofold increase in risk, researchers found. About 70% of the patients diagnosed had no family history of colon cancer.

“Many of the early-onset colorect

See Full Page