According to a recent American Cancer Society survey, young individuals are becoming more susceptible to colorectal cancer.
Moreover, colorectal cancer in people under 50 is becoming more advanced.
You can take a few steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
A rising corpus of research suggests that colorectal cancer is becoming the leading cause of death among younger people. There is now even more evidence that this is a severe issue.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently published a new research on cancer facts and trends, and it indicated that colorectal cancer is becoming a more severe condition among younger people.
According to research, the percentage of Americans with advanced-stage colorectal cancer rose from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019. From 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019, the prevalence of advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under 55 doubled.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that 153,020 people will receive an advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis this year, and 52,550 people will pass away from the condition.
The study, which was published last year in the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, also found that colorectal diagnoses among younger people are increasing quickly. Almost 104,000 patients with adenocarcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of colon cancer, were studied over the course of 16 years. The researchers discovered that there was a 133% increase in rectal-only, distant stage cancer among persons in their 20s, a 97% increase in those in their 30s, and a 48% increase in those in their 40s.
The news is worrying, thus it makes sense to be worried. Everything you should know about colorectal cancer and what you can do to reduce your risk are provided below.
Why is young people’s risk of developing colorectal cancer rising?
The report only provided the numbers; it did not explore the causes. There are several theories, though. One is that screening has become better for those who are younger: Previously, screenings for colon cancer were advised for those 50 and older, but that recommendation has since been lowered to adults 45 and older. According to surgeon oncologist and division chair of general surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center Anton Bilchik, M.D., Ph.D., also serves as chief of medicine and director of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary programme at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California.The screening age is not low enough, according to the data, says Dr. Bilchik.
According to Mark Friedman, MD, a gastroenterologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, younger people may also ignore colorectal cancer warning symptoms until the disease has progressed. Younger individuals are more likely to disregard warning signs such rectal bleeding, bowel pattern changes, and abdominal pain, he claims. “They typically don’t go to the doctor, so a diagnosis is delayed.”
According to Dr. Bilchik, eating a diet high in processed foods and red meat may also be responsible. Certainly, diet and nutrition are important, but they are not the sole solutions, he asserts. To better understand what constitutes a healthcare crisis, a lot more research is still required.
According to Dr. Friedman, the results “suggest that colon cancer continues to be a problem.” “Efforts must be made to promote awareness of and increase suitable screening for individuals who are eligible.”
What exactly is colon cancer?
According to the ACS, colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectus. A person may get colorectal cancer when the cells in certain regions begin to grow out of control.
According to the ACS, the majority of colorectal cancers begin as a growth called a polyp inside the lining of the colon or rectum that can turn cancerous over time. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed disease and the third most prevalent reason for cancer-related mortality in both men and women in the U.S.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the early stages of colorectal cancer typically don’t involve any symptoms (CDC). Hence, colorectal cancer may exist without the patient being aware of it. The CDC notes that individuals who do suffer symptoms may do so in the following ways:
- A modification in bowel habits.
- On or in your faeces, blood.
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or the impression that your bowels are not completely emptied.
- Persistent cramps, aches, or pains in the abdomen.
- You’ve lost weight but you’re not sure why.
The best way to avoid colorectal cancer
The CDC advises frequent screening beginning at age 45 as the best method to reduce your chance of acquiring colorectal cancer. This is a departure from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force’s earlier advice, which suggested that tests be initiated at age 50. In 2020, a new suggested age was introduced.
The CDC explains that while polyps can be found during screenings and frequently lead to colorectal cancer, clinicians can remove those polyps before they progress to cancer. See your doctor about screening possibilities, advises Dr. Friedman. “Try to get immediate medical attention if you have GI symptoms and are younger than the recognised screening age.”