At just 38 years old, William Lindley began noticing some troubling digestive symptoms.
He had a frequent urge to use the restroom, but found he often couldn’t go.
Eventually, he started seeing blood in his stool.
Like many people, he assumed the issue might be something manageable, like irritable bowel syndrome.
But when the symptoms began interfering with his job as a police officer, he sought medical advice.
A colonoscopy revealed that he had stage 4 colorectal cancer.
This kind of diagnosis in someone his age is becoming more common than many people realize.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among adults aged 20 to 49 in the United States, and cases in people under 50 have been steadily rising since the 1990s.
In fact, younger adults are now twice as likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to their counterparts just a few decades ago.
The reasons for this increase are still being studied.
Experts suspect that a mix of dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, environmental pollutants, and even disruptions in gut bacteria may be contributing factors.
Obesity and physical inactivity are well-established risks, but even young, active adults with no family history have been diagnosed unexpectedly.
What makes early-onset colorectal cancer particularly dangerous is its subtlety.
Many younger patients don’t experience classic warning signs until the cancer is already advanced.
This is why updated screening guidelines now recommend starting colonoscopy screenings at age 45 for individuals at average risk.
In some cases—especially for those with a family history or persistent symptoms—screenings may be needed even earlier.
Colonoscopies are more than just a diagnostic tool.
When pre-cancerous polyps are found during the procedure, they can be removed before they become cancerous, making colonoscopy a true preventive measure.
Lindley’s story underscores how vital these procedures can be.
After diagnosis, he underwent multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy.
He is now 41, cancer-free, and urges others to seek medical attention at the first sign that something isn’t right.
His message is clear: you’re not too young to be at risk.
Whether it’s unexplained fatigue, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, symptoms should never be ignored or dismissed.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use all help reduce risk.
But the most powerful step you can take is to start conversations with your doctor and stay up to date with screening recommendations.
Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease confined to later life.
Recognizing this shift can lead to earlier detection, better treatment outcomes, and, most importantly, more lives saved.