Colon cancer rates are rising among younger adults, prompting experts to urge increased awareness of early signs and the importance of preventative measures. A stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor is sharing crucial advice to help individuals avoid the disease, emphasizing that it’s no longer just an “old person’s disease.”
Colorectal cancer, encompassing both colon and rectal cancers, is increasingly affecting younger demographics, defying previous assumptions about its typical onset. Advocacy groups and medical professionals are intensifying efforts to educate the public about risk factors, symptoms, and lifestyle choices that can significantly impact one’s likelihood of developing the disease. This heightened focus aims to encourage earlier screening and proactive health management.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers. While the overall incidence rate has been declining, largely due to increased screening and improved treatments, a concerning trend has emerged: a rise in cases among individuals under the age of 50. This phenomenon has led to the term “early-onset colorectal cancer.”
“We’re seeing more and more young people being diagnosed,” says one stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor who now advocates for increased awareness. This individual’s personal experience highlights the critical need for younger adults to be vigilant about their health and to understand the potential risks.
One of the key messages being conveyed is that colorectal cancer is not exclusively an “old person’s disease.” While the risk does increase with age, younger individuals are not immune. Factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to the development of the disease at any age.
To help individuals minimize their risk, the survivor shares five crucial “never dos”:
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Never Ignore Changes in Bowel Habits: Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, should never be dismissed. “If you notice a change that lasts for more than a few days, get it checked out,” she advises. These changes can be subtle but are often early indicators of a problem. Ignoring them can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially more advanced stages of the disease. It’s important to note that occasional digestive upset is normal, but persistent and unexplained changes warrant medical attention. The key is to be aware of what’s “normal” for your body and to promptly address any deviations from that norm.
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Never Dismiss Rectal Bleeding: Rectal bleeding, even if it seems minor or is attributed to hemorrhoids, should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, it can also be a symptom of colorectal cancer or other serious conditions. “Don’t assume it’s just hemorrhoids,” the survivor warns. A doctor can perform the necessary examinations to determine the cause of the bleeding and rule out any underlying issues. Delaying evaluation can allow a potentially cancerous growth to progress undetected.
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Never Overlook Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Unexplained abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or gas that persists for an extended period should not be ignored. “Listen to your gut,” she emphasizes. While these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, persistent discomfort could indicate a problem in the colon or rectum. It’s important to distinguish between occasional digestive upset and chronic discomfort. If the symptoms are persistent and don’t respond to over-the-counter remedies, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.
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Never Neglect Family History: A family history of colorectal cancer or other related cancers significantly increases your risk of developing the disease. “Know your family history,” the survivor advises. Individuals with a family history should begin screening at an earlier age and may require more frequent screenings. It’s important to inform your doctor about your family history so they can assess your risk and recommend an appropriate screening schedule. Certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can also increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
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Never Skip Screenings: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are the most effective way to detect the disease early, when it is most treatable. “Get screened,” she urges. The recommended age to begin screening has recently been lowered to 45 for individuals at average risk. Screening options include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), and stool DNA tests. Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard, as it allows for direct visualization of the entire colon and rectum and the removal of any polyps that may be found. However, the best screening method depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Understanding the Rising Rates in Younger Adults
The exact reasons for the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer are not fully understood, but researchers are investigating several potential factors. These include:
- Dietary Changes: The Western diet, which is typically high in processed foods, red meat, and sugar, and low in fiber, has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. The rising rates of obesity in younger adults may be contributing to the increase in early-onset cases.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of physical activity has also been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Changes in the Gut Microbiome: The gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in health. Changes in the gut microbiome, potentially due to diet, antibiotics, or other factors, may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins may also play a role, although more research is needed in this area.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of colorectal cancer. When detected in its early stages, the disease is often highly treatable, with a high survival rate. However, if the cancer is allowed to progress to more advanced stages, the treatment options become more limited and the survival rate decreases.
Screening can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, before symptoms develop. It can also detect precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer.
Screening Options
Several screening options are available for colorectal cancer, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include:
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Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera attached into the rectum and colon to visualize the entire lining. It is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because it allows for direct visualization of the entire colon and rectum and the removal of any polyps that may be found. However, it requires bowel preparation and sedation, and it carries a small risk of complications.
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Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon, the sigmoid colon. It requires less bowel preparation than a colonoscopy and does not typically require sedation. However, it does not visualize the entire colon, so it may miss polyps or cancers in the upper part of the colon.
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Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT): FOBTs test for the presence of blood in the stool. They are non-invasive and can be done at home. However, they are less sensitive than colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and may miss some cancers or polyps.
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Stool DNA Tests: Stool DNA tests detect abnormal DNA in the stool that may be shed by cancer cells or polyps. They are more sensitive than FOBTs but less sensitive than colonoscopy.
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CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This involves using a CT scan to create a three-dimensional image of the colon. It requires bowel preparation, but it is less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy. However, if any polyps are found, a traditional colonoscopy is still needed to remove them.
The best screening method depends on individual factors, such as age, risk factors, and personal preferences. It is important to discuss the options with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate screening schedule.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include:
- Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in people over the age of 50. However, as discussed earlier, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise.
- Family History: A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps significantly increases the risk.
- Personal History: A personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk.
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber increases the risk.
- Obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Race and Ethnicity: African Americans have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States.
- Certain Genetic Syndromes: Certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Changes in bowel habits: This can include diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.
- Rectal bleeding: This can be bright red or dark.
- Blood in the stool: This can make the stool look black or tarry.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort: This can include pain, cramping, bloating, or gas.
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after doing so.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out colorectal cancer.
Treatment for Colorectal Cancer
The treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. It involves removing the tumor and any nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment for advanced cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment for rectal cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Get screened regularly: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are the most effective way to detect the disease early, when it is most treatable.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red and processed meats can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
- Get regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Talk to your doctor about your risk: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening and what other steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Advocacy and Support
Several organizations are dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and providing support to patients and their families. These organizations include the American Cancer Society, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Fight Colorectal Cancer. These organizations offer a variety of resources, including information about screening, treatment, and prevention, as well as support groups and advocacy efforts.
The message is clear: be proactive about your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Understand your risk factors, get screened regularly, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Early detection and prevention are key to overcoming this disease, regardless of age. The stage 4 survivor’s story serves as a powerful reminder that colorectal cancer can affect anyone, and awareness is the first line of defense. By taking proactive steps, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and improve their chances of survival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the recommended age to start colorectal cancer screening?
A: The American Cancer Society recommends that most people at average risk for colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic syndromes, or inflammatory bowel disease may need to begin screening earlier. It’s crucial to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor to determine the most appropriate screening schedule.
Q2: What are the different screening options available for colorectal cancer?
A: Several screening options are available, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), stool DNA tests, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard, as it allows for direct visualization of the entire colon and rectum. The best screening method depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Q3: What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer?
A: Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency), rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort (pain, cramping, bloating, or gas), a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after doing so, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and iron deficiency anemia. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out colorectal cancer.
Q4: What are the main risk factors for developing colorectal cancer?
A: The main risk factors for colorectal cancer include age (especially over 50, though early-onset is rising), family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, race and ethnicity (African Americans have the highest rates), and certain genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome and FAP.
Q5: What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
A: You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting screened regularly (starting at age 45 or earlier if you have risk factors), eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red and processed meats, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and discussing your risk factors with your doctor. Proactive steps and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your chances of developing the disease.
