Does it seem like colorectal cancer (CRC) is all over the news? There’s good reason: diagnoses in people under 50 has gone up by 50% over the last three decades, affecting too many parents in their 30s and 40s in the thick of raising kids. In thirty more years, CRC is expected to be the leading cause of cancer death for those younger than 50.
Symptoms vary (and often there are none) but include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool), rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. (Click here for more info.)
Screening recommendations are for people 45 and over to start regular screenings at 45, if they are not high risk. Colonoscopies can detect precancerous polyps which can be safely removed before they make you sick.
Aside from watching for symptoms (and talking to your doctor about them), and getting the appropriate screenings, what else should we know about CRC— including how to lower our risk?
We asked Dr. Rachel B. Issaka, MD., M.A.S., Associate Professor & Director of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, to explain.
Dr. Rachel B. Issaka, MD., M.A.S.
Is this really an increase in diagnoses?
Yes, over the past 3 decades, colorectal cancer diagnoses have doubled in people under age 50. It’s important to know that while colon cancer is still more common in people over 50, the trend in younger people is concerning and worth paying attention to.
What is contributing to this increase?
This is the million-dollar question! Most people under the age of 50 diagnosed with colon cancer do not have a high-risk genetic mutation. We know that people born in the 1960’s and later are at higher risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer than those born before. There are also geographical differences—with higher rates of colorectal cancer cases in the Mississippi Delta & Appalachia. This suggests that there could be environmental or occupational exposures, or life-style factors that are contributing to this increase.
What are a few things we can all do to lower our risk?
Obesity, alcohol, and tobacco have been linked to many cancers. Increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy balanced diet (low in red and processed meats and high in fruits and vegetables), avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol intake are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of colorectal and other cancers.
For more tips on preventing colon cancer, click here.
As moms we often put ourselves last—why is this not an option with CRC?
Everyone with a colon has a risk of developing colon cancer. Moms with busy schedules might defer their cancer screenings or delay seeking care when they develop symptoms that could suggest colorectal cancer.
I would urge everyone, including busy moms, to not delay prioritizing their health. Colon cancer when found early responds very well to treatment which allows people to return to their usual routines.
What is a good resource for more info?
American Cancer Society & Fight CRC provide excellent resources that are user friendly and accessible.
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