19/08/2026
A recent Straits Times report highlights a concerning shift: more younger adults are being diagnosed with certain cancers, including colorectal cancer.
Cancer has traditionally been associated with older age, but this changing pattern is a reminder that age alone should not determine whether persistent symptoms are investigated.
The reasons are complex and still being studied. What we do know is that persistent or changing symptoms should not simply be dismissed because someone is young or otherwise healthy.
For gastrointestinal health, symptoms such as ongoing changes in bowel habits, unexplained bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss or changes in digestion may warrant further assessment.
This doesn't mean every digestive symptom is a sign of cancer. Most have other possible explanations. But understanding when a symptom needs to be investigated is an important part of preventive healthcare.
At G&L Surgical Clinic, assessment may include appropriate investigations such as colonoscopy or gastroscopy, depending on your symptoms, age and individual risk factors.
If something about your digestive health has been changing or concerning you, don't wait for it to become difficult to ignore. Speak to G&L Surgical Clinic for an assessment.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/why-cancer-in-young-adults-is-rising-and-why-their-needs-are-different
