Why Young Adults Need to Pay Attention to Colorectal Cancer: Understanding Screening and Prevention

Are you aware of the importance of colon and colorectal cancer screening?

This type of cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. That's why it's so important to be informed about the symptoms and to get screened regularly.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, both in men and women in the United States. It is typically associated with older adults, but it's important to know that it can affect people of all ages, including young adults.

The number of young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been on the rise in recent years, making it crucial to be aware of the symptoms and understand the importance of screening.

According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 153,000 individuals in the United States will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023. Surprisingly, approximately 13% of these cases will be among individuals under 50, marking a 9% rise in diagnoses in this demographic since 2020.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth in the large intestine called a polyp. Over time, this growth may turn into cancer and potentially spread to other areas of the body. It is typically associated with older adults but can affect people of all ages, including young adults. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and more. Early detection through screening is key to successful treatment.

Symptoms in young adults can be similar to those in older adults, including changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and more. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

Statistics on Colorectal Cancer

Both men and women are equally susceptible to developing colorectal cancer, with the likelihood of developing the condition increases with age.

For instance, only 5 out of 100,000 individuals between the ages of 30 to 34 in the United States are diagnosed with colon cancer, whereas 61 out of 100,000 individuals between 50 to 54 years old and 136 out of 100,000 individuals aged 70 to 74 are diagnosed with it.

The highest-risk population for colorectal cancer are Black individuals and American Indian/Alaskan Natives, a disparity largely attributed to social inequalities and limited access to healthcare.

Furthermore, the study has noted that the cancers detected in individuals under 50 exhibit a more aggressive nature.

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‘Not an old person’s disease anymore’

The stigma surrounding colorectal cancer as a "senior's disease" can have detrimental effects on public awareness and early detection efforts. This misconception often leads younger individuals to overlook risk, delaying crucial screenings and potentially life-saving interventions. While it is true that colorectal cancer incidence increases with age, a growing number of cases are being diagnosed in people under the age of 50.

This concerning trend highlights the importance of challenging the "senior's disease" stereotype and promoting awareness among younger individuals. By acknowledging that colorectal cancer can affect people of all ages, we can collectively work towards early detection and prevention strategies, ultimately reducing the overall burden of this disease.

If you're a young adult and have concerns about colorectal cancer, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

Why is Screening important?

Screening is especially important for young adults with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease or a genetic predisposition to the disease. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you're at increased risk and whether or not you should start screening at an earlier age.

If you're unsure when to start screening for colorectal cancer, consult your healthcare provider. Individuals at average risk should start screening at age 45, while those at higher risk may need to start earlier.

Screening methods include stool tests, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. By being informed and proactive about your health, you can take steps to prevent and detect colorectal cancer early on.

It's important to note that screening methods for colorectal cancer are highly effective in detecting precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer. Early detection and treatment increase the chances of successful treatment and can even lead to a cure.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Your Risk

While you get regular screening, what can you do to prevent getting colorectal cancer?

You can make several lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. One of the most important preventative measures is…

• Maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber and low in processed and red meats.

• Regular exercise has also been shown to lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Quitting smoking

• Limiting alcohol consumption

By making these healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Check out the link to read the full article from the New York Times. Together, let's raise awareness and spread the word about the importance of colon and colorectal cancer screening.