Historically, cases of colorectal cancer or colon cancer, a condition where tumours grow in the colon or rectum, mostly affected patients over 50 years old. Lately, however, patients as young as 20 have been developing colorectal cancer. Beforehand, patients were encouraged to get screening at 50, that dropped to 45 but now people should consider it as young as 30. Research shows that early screenings increased rates of recovery for patients over 50.
Why has colorectal cancer increased among young people?
The biggest contributor to cancer cases is usually genetics. When you have parents or grandparents with cancer, it increases the likelihood of developing the condition. This is a cause that can’t be modified. However, patients who are genetically predisposed usually get more screenings and earlier which makes it easier to get treatment.
For patients as young as 14 to develop colorectal cancer, it’s clear there’s another underlying cause for increased rates of cancer among the young. According to Medical News Today, these are the reasons why colorectal cancer is occurring more among young people:
- Diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Lack of sleep
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Antibiotics
Diet
A diet rich in processed foods increases the risk of cancer, especially when people don’t eat the recommended daily allowance for healthy foods like fruit, fibre, and vegetables. Health: Eating Junk Food Increases Your Risk Of Getting Cancer
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A sedentary lifestyle
According to the World Cancer Research Fund being inactive increases the risk of colon, breast, and endometrial or womb cancer. Moderate exercise can also reduce the risk of colon, womb, and post-menopausal breast cancer. Being vigorously active lowers the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. Exercise helps keep hormone levels low. For instance, activity lowers insulin resistance and ensures the body is able to effectively reduce blood sugar levels. Exercise also makes digestion happen faster, reducing the time cancer-causing agents stay in the stomach. Young people are more inactive because their jobs or schooling can be sedentary.
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Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer because fat cells send signals to the rest of the body causing cells to divide more often. This creates a perfect storm for cancer to develop. According to Cancer Research UK, fat cells increase the presence of growth hormones which can help cancer cells develop. Fat cells also cause immunity cells to go to where the fat is. This leads to an increased rate of inflammation which can lead to cancer. Obesity is also a contributor to many types of cancer. Colorectal and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer caused by obesity. It also leads to pancreatic, ovarian, kidney, liver, blood, thyroid and brain cancer.
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Lack of sleep
Poor sleep contributes to cancer. Sleep is one way the body rests and regulates hormone production. When the sleep cycle is interrupted, this can lead to hormone disruption and can eventually lead to cancer.
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Smoking and drinking
Tobacco and alcohol are another major contributor to cancer. Tobacco smokers have a 60% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. This is because cigarettes contain carcinogenic compounds. Alcohol increases the risk of cancer because it has DNA-damaging compounds.
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Misusing antibiotics
The body is full of friendly bacteria that support the immune system. However, misusing antibiotics over a long time can destroy these bacteria which increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Young people need to remember to take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor. In addition, you should avoid self-diagnosing and taking antibiotics indiscriminately because it can disrupt the health of your microbiome.
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Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer may not always have symptoms. However colorectal polyps can develop into cancer if they’re not removed. Some symptoms that may arise are:
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Irregular bowel movements
- Continuous abdominal cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms also occur for other conditions. The only way to get a proper diagnosis is to see a doctor.
Should young people be worried?
For now, the research suggests that numbers are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Considering how lifestyles have changed, there are going to be some ripple effects on your health. However, there isn’t a bigger risk of contracting colorectal cancer than before.
Doctors are diagnosing colorectal cancer among young people in more instances than before but there isn’t an unpreventable cause for this. If you have a healthy lifestyle, and get screenings regularly as recommended your health won’t be at risk.
If you have some unhealthy habits, you should take steps to make certain changes. Something as simple as quitting smoking and taking daily walks can reduce the risk of cancer. Health: The Importance Of A Colonoscopy, Preparation, And What To Expect
It’s also important to be aware of the state of your body. For some young people, colorectal cancer symptoms can be dismissed as stomach flu or haemorrhoids. This can delay diagnosis which can delay treatment and make the cancer grow aggressively.
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