The incidence of colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer are grouped together because they are similar) has been rising in young people around the world.
An American Cancer Society report found that colorectal cancer diagnosis rates among people under 55 have nearly doubled in recent years; from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. Diagnosis rates for advanced colorectal cancer are higher, increasing from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019, the report said.
Even before this new report was released, doctors and researchers were aware of the rise in cases.
The increase we are seeing in the incidence of colorectal cancer in young people is alarming and disturbing. Since the 1990s, it has grown by about 1% to 2% per year.
The overall numbers are small, but any increase is still concerning. This is particularly alarming because the largest increase in cases has been among the youngest groups – those aged 20 to 29.
Why are cases increasing among young people? What is clear is that this is not due to any new changes in genes, meaning it could be due to environmental factors. These include primarily a Western diet (particularly processed meats), excess body weight, alcohol, smoking, and diseases such as diabetes and other metabolic problems.
Each of these factors individually is not a major risk factor, but when you put all of them together, it may underpin some of what we’re seeing – but we don’t have a clear answer.
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the food of a Western diet or drink a glass of wine; many cancer risk factors, such as genetics, are beyond your control. Rather, it simply emphasizes the importance of moderation and prioritizing nutritious food and exercise.
In addition to adopting a lifestyle that limits certain risks, you should also know the signs of colorectal cancer and follow official screening guidelines to stay healthy or catch the disease early.
Starting at 45, you should get screened for colorectal cancer.
Unfortunately, the youngest people experiencing increased rates of colorectal cancer are too young to be screened. For most people, insurance plans will not cover screening until age 45.
But this makes it even more important that you get screened as soon as possible. The age to start screening in the United States used to be 50, but the guidelines changed due to rising case numbers.
The reason is that we are seeing a significant increase in colon cancer patients in their early 50s.
The purpose of screening is twofold, one is that if cancer is discovered, it will be caught early. In its early stages, colorectal cancer is very curable. Another is to look for polyps, which are precancerous growths that can turn into cancer over time.
The idea is that if we can find polyps, identify them and remove them, we can prevent cancer, thereby enabling early detection and cancer prevention.
Certain groups of people can get screened earlier than 45.
Certain high-risk groups can be screened before age 45 and are covered by insurance plans.
We do start it earlier in people who have a family history, so it’s important that everyone understands their family history.
In other words, you’ll want to know if a parent, child, or sibling has colon or rectal cancer.
Those with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) can also get screened early.
If you don’t fall into any of these groups but are concerned that something is wrong, it’s still worth reporting it to your doctor. You know your body best. You and your doctor will likely decide together whether a colonoscopy is worth it; it may not be covered by insurance or may be denied, but there are some options you can explore with your medical provider.
Colonoscopies aren’t the only screening method.
Experts say it’s common, though unfounded, for people to be afraid of colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is a very safe procedure and is actually not uncomfortable at all.
For many people, the most uncomfortable part is the preparation (essentially cleaning out your system). But this minor inconvenience comes with major health benefits.
Many experts do consider colonoscopy to be the gold standard because it’s really a screening method where we can simultaneously identify these polyps and remove them and, if cancer is present, do a biopsy – it allows us to detect them earlier. Identify and prevent cancer now.
There are other screening tests, such as stool tests and CT scans called virtual colonoscopies.
In healthy people, a colonoscopy should be done every 10 years and a virtual colonoscopy every five years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stool tests should be done more frequently, from once a year to every three years, depending on the test results.
So if you’re nervous about getting a colonoscopy (or a routine test to prepare for a colonoscopy), there are other screening options.
Signs of colorectal cancer can vary.
New research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute finds that abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia are early “red flags” that may appear months to years before a colorectal diagnosis.Therefore, it is important to alert your doctor if you notice any of these problems.
The most common symptom is rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which may appear in the toilet bowl, the stool itself, or on toilet paper.
Most people with rectal bleeding will not develop cancer. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of this condition.
But at the same time, not all rectal bleeding in young people is hemorrhoids, which is a dangerous misconception.
Another sign of colorectal cancer is feeling unable to empty your bowel. This means that when you go to the bathroom, you won’t feel the relief and emptiness that comes with having a bowel movement.
Anemia can also be another sign. If you’ve been diagnosed with anemia, if your blood cell counts are low, it may be a sign that you’re losing blood from your gastrointestinal tract.
Changes in stool are another red flag. This may include black poop or constipation issues. But it’s worth mentioning that not all constipation or changes in your bowel movements are a cause for panic. Some of these may be related to stress or diet.
Be aware that some other symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weight loss, can be very vague. These may include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and unexplained changes in appetite.
That’s what makes it so difficult.If someone has rectal bleeding, this is a very simple sign. But some other symptoms can be a little subtle. It’s really about people getting to know their bodies and knowing that something feels different than it did before.
Everyone needs to monitor themselves for these symptoms, especially people under 45.
Since most people under the age of 45 will not be screened for colorectal cancer, it is important to monitor yourself for these symptoms and contact your doctor if you notice any of these signs. If you do this, you can and should advocate for early testing.
Additionally, even if you are over 45 and have regular checkups, it is important to alert your doctor to any of these problems.
It’s important to know that while a colon cancer diagnosis is scary, the average survival rate for people with stage IV colon cancer is measured in years, but the cure rate for people with localized colon cancer – means There is no spread of cancer – 100%.
As the incidence of this disease continues to rise, it is important to screen for and understand the warning signs.