The taboo colon cancer symptom millennials are afraid to tell their doctors about

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A woman holding her stomach while talking to doctor
Anal bleeding is the most common sign of colon cancer in young people, yet also one of the most taboo to talk about.

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I was 21 when I had my first colonoscopy. It was a wake-up call that I needed to change my lifestyle.

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Patient sitting on a hospital bed.
The author (not pictured) had her first colonoscopy at age 21. The recommended age is 45.

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A cancer dietitian shares 3 lunches that could help prevent colon cancer, a condition on the rise in young people

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Meredy Birdi (left) lentil soup (right)
Eating fiber is associated with a lower colon cancer risk.

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A new blood test can spot signs of colon cancer in your annual blood draw

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A woman in medical scrubs preparing for a blood draw of a patient.
A blood test newly approved by the FDA could help screen patients for colon cancer at their routine medical appointments.

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Eating less bacon and other processed meat may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, study shows

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a close up of a grill with several strips of bacon, next to a plate of burgers
Cutting back on processed meat could reduce rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. As little as 10 slices of bacon per week could make a difference.

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