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More people develop colon cancer before the age of 50
STATES CHRONICLE – Cancer is probably one of the scariest illnesses of our world. Although it is believed it affects older people, it doesn’t mean young people are completely safe. There are several types of cancer, depending mostly on the part of the body affected.
One of the most common types of cancer which people seem not to take seriously is colon cancer. The main reason people never think about colon cancer is that it usually occurs at a more advanced age. However, it turns out that younger people can be equally at risk of developing colon cancer, and it is highly recommended they get tested.
In recent times, the disease has started to affect young people as well, and it is no longer focused only on adults over 50 years old. Getting a colonoscopy, although unpleasant, might actually save your life. A 28-year-old woman was diagnosed with colon cancer thanks to a colonoscopy after she experienced bloating and abdominal pain.
Unfortunately, because she didn’t take the symptoms too seriously, the cancer managed to spread to her liver and by the time she was diagnosed, she already had stage four cancer. What is even more concerning is that cancer seems to be more aggressive when it comes to younger patients.
A recent study published in the journal Cancer, suggests that most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age than 50, show already an advanced stage of the disease and are also more likely to start radiation therapy and receive surgery immediately.
According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer rates have been decreasing in the past years, but it continues to rise among the younger generation, with 11 percent of colon cancer and 18 percent of rectal cancer diagnoses occurring in people younger than 50.
The main problem now is that scientists cannot figure out the reason there are more young people with colon cancer nowadays. It might be our diets or the environment. Whatever the reason, it is recommended that people get colonoscopies at a younger age, starting with their 20s and 30s.
Some of the symptoms of colon cancer or rectal cancer could be cramps and abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits. Make sure you get checked.
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