Colon cancer is being diagnosed in younger adults at surprisingly high rates.

Colorectal cancer, long considered a disease of older folks, is rising in younger adults. And it’s often showing up without the risk factors that doctors typically see, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol and a diet high in ultra-processed foods. Now, researchers are starting to get clues about why this could be happening — some are looking specifically at early-life and environmental exposures that may play a role.

There’s no need to freak out, but it’s a good idea for younger people to keep an eye out for possible symptoms.

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