If you think you don’t have to worry about colon cancer until your golden years, think again. The truth is that the risk of colon cancer in young adults is larger than you realize. But what’s causing the increase in colon cancer in young adults? You should know the risks and how to avoid them as the disease becomes more common in younger groups.
Colon cancer begins as noncancerous cell clumps in the colon or rectum. Symptoms include changes in bowel habits and abdominal discomfort. Young adults face rising incidences of colon cancer. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, environmental factors, and family history may contribute. Lifestyle changes and early detection through screenings are crucial. Treatment varies based on cancer characteristics.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer originates in the colon or rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine. It typically begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells (polyps) that can develop into cancer over time.
Symptoms
The majority of colon cancers are asymptomatic, which is why you need to complete your screening colonoscopy. However, colon cancer can have symptoms that include changes in bowel habits, such as:
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal discomfort or cramps
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
As the cancer progresses, it can cause a narrowing of the stool, leading to pencil-thin stools. However, early stages of colon cancer often present with no symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screenings, especially for those at higher risk. Anyone experiencing persistent or unusual digestive symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests.
The Current Landscape of Colon Cancer and Young Adults
Colon cancer in young adults is a concerning and growing issue. Recent statistics reveal a notable increase in prevalence among individuals under 55. The number of young adults with colorectal cancer has almost doubled over the past decade. Even more concerning is the fact that more young adults are dying from the condition.
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society:
- There was an 8% rise in the incidence of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses in the United States between the mid-2000s and 2019.
- The percentage of individuals under the age of 55 receiving diagnoses rose from 11% in 1995 to 20% (1 in 5 people)
- There has been a 2% increase in incidences every year since 2011 in people younger than 50 years of age, as well as in people ages 50-54 years
This surge in cases among people in their 20s and people in their 30s marks a stark departure from historical trends. Over the past few decades, colon cancer rates in the overall population have been declining. This makes the rise in cases among the younger demographic such as millennials and Gen Z particularly alarming.
What’s Causing the Increase in Colon Cancer in Young Adults?
Experts aren’t sure what’s increasing the connection between colon cancer and young adults. However, certain factors may be playing a key role.
Factors contributing to this shift may include:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Dietary habits
- Environmental factors
- Family history
With the rise of diagnoses and even deaths, further research and public health initiatives are warranted. This will help address and reverse the unsettling trend. In the meantime, there are certain steps you can take that may help reduce the overlap of colorectal cancer and young adults.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Young adults often lead sedentary lives. Heavy technology use and desk-bound jobs can lead to long periods of physical inactivity. This can impact bowel movements, alter gut microbiota, and increase inflammation—all factors linked to colon cancer risk.
Dietary Habits
Diets low in fiber, high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fruits and vegetables contribute to colon cancer risk. These diets promote inflammation and disrupt gut health, potentially leading to cancerous changes in the colon.
Environmental Factors
Environmental pollutants, like certain chemicals and toxins in air or water, can potentially increase the risk of colon cancer. Prolonged exposure to these substances may damage DNA and trigger cancerous changes in the colon.
Lifestyle changes can also affect your environment, resulting in:
- Increased stress,
- Disrupted sleep patterns, and
- Higher exposure to processed foods
All of these factors can increase the risk of colon cancer in young adults. Stress-induced changes in the gut microbiome and altered hormonal balance can impact colon health, as well.
Family History
Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or specific genetic mutations like Lynch syndrome are at higher risk. Genetic predisposition increases susceptibility, although lifestyle and environmental factors still play a crucial role in disease development.
Understanding these factors is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies. Make it a priority to get regular physical activity while eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and plant-based foods. Reduce your exposure to carcinogens in your environment whenever possible. You should also talk to your doctor if you have a family history of colon cancer so they can look out for warning signs.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
When it comes to colon cancer and young adults, early detection and diagnosis is of the utmost importance. Screening tests like colonoscopies are common, allowing doctors to examine the entire colon for polyps or cancerous growths.
Other screening options include:
- Stool tests
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy using CT scans or magnetic resonance
If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy may be performed for confirmation. If positive, imaging studies like CT scans and MRI may help assess the extent of the cancer.
Genetic testing may be recommended if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Regular screenings significantly contribute to early detection and improved outcomes, especially for those at higher risk.
Treatment
Colon cancer treatment varies based on the cancer’s:
- Stage
- Size
- Location
Colorectal surgery is often the primary approach. It involves removing the tumor and affected surrounding tissues.
In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery. Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high-energy beams. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy can also disrupt specific cancer cell functions or stimulate the immune system.
At Evansville Surgical Associates, we follow a multidisciplinary approach to the surgical treatment of colon cancer. Our surgeons collaborate with oncologists and other specialists to tailor a treatment plan to your unique case.
Do you need a colon cancer screening in Evansville, Indiana? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Originating in the colon or rectum, colon cancer manifests with symptoms like changes in bowel habits and abdominal discomfort. Young adults are experiencing an increasing incidence of colon cancer. Emphasizing lifestyle modifications and timely screenings for early detection are essential, with treatment depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
