'Get checked.' Early detection is key to treating colon cancer

You typically hear of colon cancer being diagnosed in adults over 50, but the last 10 years have seen a sharp rise among patients in their 20s and 30s.

Marcio Torre was 43 when he first noticed rectal bleeding, but dismissed it, thinking it was a hemorrhoid and knowing he had no family history of cancer. At 48, Marcio was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He's now urging those that have any symptoms, such as a change in stool or rectal bleeding, to get a colonoscopy. Early detection is important to give people the best chance of survival. 

Mukta Crane, UW Medical Center's section chief for colorectal surgery, comments on the increase in this disease among younger patients.

Downloadable media assets:

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