Prevalence of Colorectal Cancer Rising Among Millennials
Colorectal (or colon) cancer screenings are highly recommended for adults beginning at age 50. More specifically, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, arguing that the cancer is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 74, recommends getting screened soon after you turn 50 through age 75. For people 76 and older, the Task Force says, the decision to get screened should be an individual one based on the person's overall health and prior screening history.
But recent medical studies, notably one done by the American Cancer Society (ACS), have found that while the overall incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States is steadily dropping, more and more new cases are being discovered among people younger than 50, millennials included.
The ACS-led study, which was recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, says that those who were born in 1990 have double the risk for colorectal cancer compared to people who were born around 1950, pointing out that the overall drop in colorectal cancer cases, particularly in the last decade, has largely been driven by older adults.
It's not exactly known why more young adults are developing colorectal cancer, though some experts suspect that poor eating and exercise habits play a role. Recent findings have raised questions about whether people should be screened sooner than age 50, while reinforcing the importance of both younger and older adults familiarizing themselves with the risk factors and potential warning signs that warrant prompt medical attention.
Precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, but common symptoms can include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Persistent stomach pain such as aches or cramps
- Inexplicable or unintended weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
- A noticeable change in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea or narrowing of the stool, that lasts longer than a few days
People at high risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests. You may be at increased risk if:
- You have a family history of colon cancer or polyps
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome)
Although your family history is out of your control, you can lower your risk for colorectal cancer by: eating more fruits, veggies and whole grains, and less red and processed meats; quitting smoking; getting regular exercise; managing your weight; reducing your alcohol consumption; and avoiding tobacco.
Getting screened for colorectal cancer is important because it may help doctors find colorectal cancer early, or better yet, find polyps in the colon or rectum before they turn into cancer. If you are 50 and older and haven't had a screening, schedule one as soon as you can. If you're younger, it's OK to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have, especially if you're experiencing known symptoms.
The LifeBridge Health Division of Gastroenterology offers a full range of diagnostic tests and therapeutic care options, including full endoscopic services to screen for and catch potential causes of cancer in the early stages. The Endoscopy Center is equipped with the latest endoscopic equipment for the performance of allrecognized GI procedures and evaluation techniques. All elective GI diagnostic evaluations (both endoscopic and non-endoscopic) are performed in the GI Diagnostic Center. Learn more about the many treatment and prevention options available at the LifeBridge Health Division of Gastroenterology here. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained physicians, call 410-601-WELL.