This distinction is crucial. Unlike a mammogram or a lung scan, which are primarily imaging tests to find existing tumors, a colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to intervene on the spot. When a doctor finds a polyp, or a small clump of cells that can turn into cancer over time, they remove it right then and there.

The researchers examined the five leading causes of cancer death among the under-50 age group. They found that overall, from 1990 through 2023, more than 1.2 million people died of cancer in the United States before age 50,

Dr. Bethany Malone has treated a lot of colorectal cancer patients. The youngest, not counting those with genetic conditions, was 19 years old.