Do patients younger than age 40 get colorectal cancer?
Yes, about three percent of colon cancer cases occur in patients younger than 40. The risk is increased for individuals under age 40 with a positive family history of colon cancer or polyposis syndromes. Regardless of the patient’s age, low risk does not mean no risk. Do not simply dismiss complaints or symptoms because of a patient’s age, lack of family history, or other non-clinical factors.
