A recent study by the American Cancer Society shows colon cancer in people under 55 has doubled.

A local surgeon is concerned that some of his patients are getting cancer younger.

Things are looking up for 43-year-old Leonel Iglesias, from Bridgeport.

"I am a survivor," said Iglesias.

Iglesias came back to work in December after a scary scene at home months earlier.

"I had lost so much blood that the room started spinning, my heart rate skyrocketed," said Iglesias.

Doctors said he had colon cancer, something they're seeing more now in people under 55. Studies aren't sure why.

"We think it's a combination of something in the environment plus genetic factors," said St. Vincent's Medical Center Colon surgeon Daniel Lavy.

The bleeding that Iglesias experienced is a symptom of colon cancer along with anemia and weight loss.

"If you have a history of colon-rectal cancer in first- or second-degree relatives, that may cause us to start screening you earlier," said Lavy.

Iglesias says he feels lucky to be alive. He says if he could do it all again, he would have gotten to a doctor sooner.

"Follow up with your doctors, check up on things you have to check up on. If you feel something, don't ignore it," said Iglesias.

Iglesias is now cancer-free.

The current age to start getting colonoscopy screenings is 45, but doctors say that age may drop in the future based on these latest findings.