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For decades, colon cancer was considered a disease that primarily affected adults over 50. But that is no longer the case. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, about 10% of Americans diagnosed with colon cancer each year are under age 50, and that number continues to rise year after year.
In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, our medical specialists at Stoneleigh Medical Group in Brewster, Carmel, Jefferson Valley, and Pawling, New York, want to help shift the conversation.
Here’s what every young adult needs to know about colon cancer and what you can do to protect your health.
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in all ages, including young adults. Not only are more and more young people being diagnosed with colon cancer, but they’re also diagnosed at later stages of the disease, making treatment more complex.
Knowing your risk factors and recognizing warning signs can save your life.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are the final sections of your digestive tract. The colon absorbs fluid and nutrients from waste as it moves toward the rectum, where stool is stored before elimination.
Though colon and rectal cancers are different, they’re grouped together because they share many similarities in development and treatment.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine. Polyps are common, especially as you get older, and most often benign (noncancerous). However, some polyps can become cancerous over time if not detected and removed.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes colorectal cancer, but they believe it develops from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Since the mid-1990s, researchers have observed a steady increase in colon cancer in young adults. Rates appear to go up by 1 to 2% each year.
Scientists are looking into why rates of colon cancer are increasing in younger adults and have some theories. They think lifestyle may play a significant role, including lack of physical activity, high intake of processed foods, and other environmental factors.
A family history of colon cancer and a history of inflammatory bowel disease also increase risk.
Even seemingly healthy young adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer, which is why awareness is so crucial.
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you seek care promptly.
Young adults should never ignore:
No matter your age, if you have any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
Guidelines recommend that all adults start colon cancer screening at age 45. You may benefit from earlier screening if you have a family history of colon cancer, personal history of IBD or polyps, or concerning symptoms.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard screening test for colorectal cancer, but there are other options, including:
However, if any non-colonoscopy screening test returns a positive result, a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended.
Colon cancer is no longer a middle-aged disease; it affects younger people, too. Are you at risk?
We can talk to you about the risk factors and make sure you start screening at the right age. Call us today or request an appointment online.
