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Cancer statistics More and more young patients are getting colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Researchers have now found that overall rates of colorectal cancer are falling, but this dangerous form of cancer is on the rise in young adults.
The scientists of the American Cancer Society found in their study that more and more young adults are suffering from colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is a widespread disease, especially in western industrialized countries. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of the National Cancer Institute".
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. American scientists have noted a disturbing trend that more and more young adults are suffering from this form of cancer. (Image: Juan Gärtner / fotolia.com) Increase in colorectal cancer in young adults in the US
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, incidence rates of colorectal cancer declined in people under 50 years of age. For people over 50 years, the rates were then, however, increase, say the experts. However, this disturbing trend waned from the mid-1980s to 2013. The rate fell in this period among adults over the age of 55 years. In turn, the rate began to increase slowly in younger adults. People aged 20 to 29 showed an increase of 2.4 percent per year. For adults between the ages of 30 and 39 years, the rate increased by one percent a year, say the scientists from the United States.
Fewer cases of colorectal cancer in the elderly
In other words, the incidence rate of colon cancer increased by one or two cases per 100,000 people under the age of 50 years. In contrast, the rates in older Americans have dropped by more than 100 colorectal cancers per 100,000 people, say the authors of the study.
Increase in obesity can lead to more cases of colon cancer
It is not surprising that an obesity epidemic can be observed in parallel with the rise of colorectal cancer, the researchers explain. Unhealthy diet patterns and a lifestyle without adequate exercise increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Which lifestyle factors increase the risk of colorectal cancer?
There are many lifestyle factors associated with the development of colorectal cancer. These include, for example, increased body weight, high consumption of processed meat, increased alcohol consumption, low physical activity and cigarette smoking, the experts say.
In southern West Virginia, there are especially many cases of colon cancer
The authors also pointed out that people in West Virginia show some of the highest rates of obesity and very low rates of physical activity. In addition, there is a very high consumption of cigarettes. As a possible consequence of this, there are a lot of cancers of the colon and rectum in southern West Virginia. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly treated cancers in this area, along with lung cancer, the experts explain. More and more young adults are among the sufferers.
Digestive problems may indicate bowel cancer
Most medical professionals recommend so-called colonoscopy from the age of 50 years. However, preventive measures are also important in the past, especially when people have cases of colorectal cancer in their family history or when people suffer from digestive problems, the experts report.
Colon cancer must be detected as early as possible
For example, it is important that people pay attention to blood in their stool. Any irregularities in bowel movements can be an indicator of problems in the colon or rectum, experts explain. The sooner the cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. Once the cancer has spread, the treatment becomes more complicated. Colon cancer can form metastases throughout the body, but these usually affect the liver first. That is why it is important that the cancer is detected at an early stage. (As)