Colon Cancer in Young Adults: What You Should Know
Colon cancer rates among young adults have seen an upswing, while rates among people over 50 years of age have declined. More people over 50 years are getting recommended screening tests which lead to earlier treatments for colon cancer and help ensure healthy lives through finding and eliminating growths before they turn into cancerous tumors. If detected at an early stage it may be easier to treat effectively.
Young adults often do not recognize their risk for colon cancer and doctors are late in diagnosing it, contributing to its increase among this demographic. Some symptoms can be vague leading to misdiagnosis by doctors. Both doctors and patients must recognize the seriousness of colon cancer symptoms when coming in with concerns and screen them as necessary. Get the best advise from the Best Colon cancer Doctor in Kolkata.
What is Colon Cancer?
Get the Facts! Colon cancer is one of the three most diagnosed cancers and affects both men and women equally. Half of new cases occur among people under 66 years old; many show no symptoms until late stage disease develops.
Risks associated with colorectal cancer include
Age is one risk factor as most cases tend to occur among those over 60. As previously stated, though cases are becoming more prevalent among young adults as well, and often contain family histories of colon cancer.
If you have had colon cancer before, or have had close relatives who did, the chances are greater that it will recur. African Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent are especially prone to colon cancer recurrences; additionally if either parent had colon cancer prior to age 55 is at an increased risk.
Genomics play an integral part of colon cancer risk as 20% of cases can be traced back to specific genetic mutations. Read further for information about risk factors of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Symptoms in Young People
Some of these symptoms could be the result of other medical issues; therefore, if symptoms continue for an extended period, make an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately.
What should you do if these symptoms arise?
For starters, seek medical help immediately as these could indicate serious internal bleeding or changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool to abdominal pain and continual need for bowel movement, with accompanying abdominal discomfort or weakness as possible consequences.
Be sure to visit your Colorectal doctor regularly and discuss any symptoms you are experiencing. Stay proactive; even if it’s not time for an annual check-up, make an appointment if there are concerns or something doesn’t feel quite right.
Stay informed about colon cancer with the resources we’ve compiled here. Learn the symptoms, family history and what if any lifestyle factors might put you at an increased risk. Share all this with your physician so they can determine whether or not you are at high risk.
Acquaint yourself with the various screening methods, which range from minimally invasive procedures to endoscopic exams and imaging tests. Discuss this matter with your Colon Cancer Doctor to decide on an ideal screening approach for you.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
