OLEAN — County health officials cautioned younger patients to pay attention to possible symptoms of a rising cancer.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, said Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin Watkins during the county board of health’s monthly meeting Wednesday, drawing attention to the leading cancer killer for those under 50.

The American Cancer Society estimates that around 159,000 cases will be reported this year, with around 55,000 deaths nationwide. Between 2018 and 2022, 41 people in Cattaraugus County were diagnosed with colorectal cancers. As a result, 14 people in the county died of colorectal cancers. The cancers were the second-highest in incidence and deaths, with only lung cancers having higher rates. Men were slightly more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancers and to die from them, Watkins noted, saying that women are statistically more likely to seek treatment than men.

The county is above the state average for incidence rates, while it is below the state average for death rates. Allegany County rates of incidence and death rates are virtually identical to those in Cattaraugus County. Lewis County leads the state in incidence and death rates, with a death rate roughly twice that of Cattaraugus County.

Among the leading cancers for those under 50, colorectal cancer is the only to see an increase. Watkins noted that people born after 1960 are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, what he referred to as a birth-cohort effect. Risk factors include poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol use, and changes in gut microbe makeups.

In recent years, a number of celebrities in their 40s have died of colorectal cancers, Watkins said, including actors Chadwick Boseman in 2020 and James Van Der Beek, who died at age 48 last month.

Both actors reported not being checked out after finding symptoms, Watkins said, delaying treatment. Symptoms include blood in the stool, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent constipation or diarrhea.

Screenings should begin at age 45 if no symptoms are seen, and immediately if symptoms are reported. Tests range from stool tests and CT scans to colonoscopies.

While the state has above-average rates for colorectal screening compared to national goals, around 44% of those ages 45 to 50 do not get screened regularly.

“We really need to bump that number up,” Watkins said.