I'm a bowel cancer expert - these are five reasons why the disease is becoming more common in under 50s

I'm a bowel cancer expert - these are five reasons why the disease is becoming more common in under 50s READ MORE: Ultra-processed food and obesity could be behind rise in cancer By Rebecca Whittaker For Mailonline Published: 15:06, 9 June 2024 | Updated: 15:15, 9 June 2024 e-mail View comments Doctors are concerned about the alarming trend of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer - a disease typically associated with older people . There has been a 266 per cent increase in bowel cancer rates among adolescents and young adults over the past three decades. The reasons for this worrying surge are unclear despite similar patterns emerging internationally, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

As scientists scramble to pinpoint the cause of the mystery early onset cancer 'epidemic' - medically defined as the disease striking adults under the age of 50 - bowel cancer expert and colorectal surgeon Dr Haney Youssef explains some of the reasons why the disease might be becoming more common in the under 50s. Mum-of-two Melissa Dunmore, from Melbourne, was diagnosed with stage-three bowel cancer a week before her 33rd birthday, despite having no family history of the disease. Surgeons found a 20cm tumour in her colon along with 11 tiny pre-cancerous polyps Marlene Sardo-Infirri was seven months pregnant when her husband David was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer.

The then 38-year-old only experienced one symptom - frequent bathroom visits .