Colon cancer, sometimes referred to as bowel cancer or rectal cancer, is a cancer that affects the colon and rectum (located at the digestive tract’s lower end). For years, colorectal cancer was believed by many to primarily impact older people; however, in recent years, there has been an uptick in colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths among younger people ranging in age from their mid-20s to late 50s. According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50 years of age has doubled since the 1990s. The most recent data, which tracked the incidence of colorectal cancer from 2011 to 2016, revealed an up to two percent per year increase among people under 50. By 2030, approximately 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in people under 50 years old. This data prompted the United States Preventative Task Force (USPTF) and the American Cancer Society to update their screening recommendations to age 45, rather than 50 in 2021.
Individuals suffering from Colorectal cancer normally experience changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, a feeling that the bowel does not empty fully, blood in feces that makes it look dark brown or black, bright red blood from the rectum, abdominal pain, and bloating, feeling full even when a long time has passed since a meal, fatigue or tiredness, unexplained weight loss, anemia amongst others.
The exact factors driving this colorectal cancer in young patients remain unclear. Research suggests that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, and heavy alcohol use can contribute to the onset of colorectal cancer, but none have been identified as the exact cause of this ailment, and gene sequencing of tumors across age groups has not shown major differences. Researchers are actively working to better understand the factors associated with this rise in the incidence of this disease.
Doctors recommend certain screening tests for healthy people with no signs or symptoms in order to look for signs of colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps. Treatment for colon cancer usually involves surgery to remove cancer. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, might also be recommended.
“Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations.” “There’s always hope beyond what you see.” “It’s possible not just to survive, but to thrive and to live a healthy, wonderful life again.”- Unknown. In conclusion, a good lifestyle could help forestall the development of this illness. Good life, live it well.
Written by:
Boateng Valice Godstime
UHASMSA
MbChB’27
References: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155598#diagnosis
https://www.google.com/search?q=colorectal+cancer&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AJOqlzVvIKPTMznK9recFZik3ob1ApkLFA:1679222918942&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjR29Ps6Of9AhWDhv0HHbxYDUYQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1366&bih=617&dpr=1#imgrc=6H4zi-ZBTKVwEM&imgdii=kB3LFDkD-BabHM
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353674