You may think that colorectal cancer is only a problem for older adults. But recently, colorectal cancer has been increasing among younger adults and is the second biggest cancer killer. In fact, a new study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that close to one-third of colorectal cancer patients today are younger than 55. With these increasing numbers, does that mean you should get screened for colorectal cancer early?
The Data
Overall, the study found that colorectal cancer rates are decreasing. However, from the mid-1980s through 2013, the rates declined in adults ages 55 and older, while they increased by 2.4 percent among adults ages 20 to 29 and by 1 percent in adults ages 30 to 39. We don’t fully understand the reason for this increased risk in young people, and further research is awaited before new recommendations can be provided.
The Verdict
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and most other professional organizations, advises starting colon cancer screening at age 50. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about colon cancer and need more information about screening guidelines. Even if you don’t need to be screened early, you should know what will increase your risk of developing the disease. You’re more likely to get colorectal cancer, and may need earlier screening if you:
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Have a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Are of African American background
Environmental factors that could increase your risk:
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Consuming a lot of processed meats
- Excessive drinking
- Smoking
If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk with your doctor to see if early screening is a good option for you.
Signs to Watch
Symptoms of colorectal cancer aren’t always noticeable. But some symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- Blood in the stool
- Bright red rectal bleeding
- Black tarry stools
- Anemia with low iron
Summit Medical Group gastroenterologist and surgical oncologist, Kelly Krueger, MD, says, “One of the most common misconceptions that I hear from patients is that they are positive that red blood when they go to the bathroom is from hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, this can also be from a low-lying polyp or cancer and definitely needs to get checked out.” She adds, “Women also think that low iron anemia is just due to their menstrual cycle, but this can also be a sign of colon cancer, ulcer, bleeding polyp, an iron absorption issue, or internal bleeding, and needs evaluation by a professional.”
You should also check in with your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist if you have any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- An urge to have a bowel movement that doesn't go away after having one
- A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
- Unintended weight loss
What You Can Do
Knowing the risks and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help catch the disease early. But you can also take steps to reduce your chances of developing it in the first place. Be sure to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid red and processed meats
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Quit smoking
- Minimize alcohol
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