You may think of colorectal cancer as an older person's disease, but over the last 30 years rates in people younger than age 50 have increased by 50%. Indeed, for people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the No. 2 cause in women, behind only breast cancer. Why are cases jumping? What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? And how can you reduce your risk? In this episode, we talk with a colon and rectal surgeon about the alarming trend that's something of a mystery even to doctors.

Expert: Dr. Tareq Kamal, Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered:

Is colorectal cancer more aggressive in younger people than those over 50?
Are the risk factors different for those diagnosed at younger ages?
Learn the symptoms of colorectal cancer – and whether they differ among age groups
The current screening recommendations for colorectal cancer & how they've evolved
Colorectal cancer screening tests – which may work for you?
Colonoscopy: What to do if you're anxious; is prep that bad?
What colorectal cancer treatment plans can look like
What younger people are being misdiagnosed with when they're experiencing colon cancer
How to advocate for yourself if you are having symptoms
What people of all ages can do to help lower their risk of colorectal cancer