Study Finds Colorectal Cancer Cases Are On The Rise In Young People

 A large study revealed that colorectal cancer cases among young people are on the rise. The data has set off alarms about the factors that may be influencing this phenomenon.

Colorectal cancer cases have undergone significant changes in recent decades. Besides, one of the most striking aspects is that they now have a greater incidence in young people

Colorectal cancer, also known as "colon cancer, " includes the different types of cancer that affect the rectum, large intestine, or colon.

A large number of cases of colorectal cancer makes this the second leading cause of cancer death in the world.

What are the first symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer includes the different types of cancer that affect the rectum or large intestine.

Most of the time, colorectal cancer begins with forming small masses of cells in the rectum and colon.

The US National Library of Medicine notes that colorectal cancer symptoms can be subtle at first, especially in young people. The characteristic manifestations are the following:

·        Bleeding from the rectum, either with or without pain.

·        Blood during or after a bowel movement in the stool.

·        Blood in the toilet.

·        Change in bowel patterns. It can be constipation, diarrhea, or both.

·        Change in the shape or size of your stool. In particular, thinner stools.

·        Need of effort to evacuate the stool, which previously did not appear.

·        Weight loss with no apparent cause.

·        Increased fatigue or resistance to exercise.

·        Feeling of fullness, bloating, or cramps in the area.

Causes and risk factors

It is not yet clear why colorectal cancer cases increased among young people. It is estimated that only between 10 and 20% of cases are due to hereditary factors

Scientists point out that when a disease changes its pattern from one generation to another, the key lies in environmental factors

Diet, bacteria, and inflammation

Unhealthy eating is directly associated with early-onset colorectal cancer, according to further research. Many fats and processed meats and the low consumption of fruits and vegetables become a risk factor.

Obesity, often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, also favors the disease in young people. On the other hand, it has been found that changes in the intestinal flora, with some types of bacteria, are a factor that is present in many people under 50 with colorectal cancer. Poor diet and changes in intestinal flora are thought to cause inflammation

Chemical pollution of the environment

Some chemicals in the environment may promote colorectal cancer. These are present in the air, water, soil, and food, many times due to pesticides.

The available evidence indicates that these chemicals can alter the DNA and harmful mutations in the cells of the rectum and colon. They may also cause changes in the bacteria in the gut.

 Even if the exposure occurs when a person is in the womb

How was the study developed?

The American Cancer Society there is a striking increase in colorectal cancer cases among those under 50 years of age

The data was collected by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Cancer Registries Program (NPCR) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ).

The study is based on information collected between 1995 and 2016, with a coverage of 95% of the US population and data from other areas of the world. Studies up to 1975 were also used as a basis to establish relative survival trends. Many different sources supplemented the information.

The study made estimates that cover up to the year 2020

What do the results show?

About 12% of those under the age of 50 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020.

The research concludes that the cases of colorectal cancer in people older than 65 years are decreasing. At the same time, there is an increase among the youngest. It is estimated that this disease affected 12% of people under 50 years of age in 2020.

Cases have been on the rise in people between the ages of 20 and 39 since the 1980s. Moreover, in those aged 40 to 54 years, the increase is more noticeable since the 1990s. However, during the last 20 years, the rates of colorectal cancer in people aged 50 years and over have decreased.

In those under 50, cases have been increasing at a rate of 2.2% per year

·        In 65-year-olds. Mortality rates began to decline since 2008 at a rate of 3% per year.

·        From 50 to 64 years old. It only decreased at a rate of 0.6%, in the same period.

·        Under 50 years old. It increased at a rate of 1.3% per year.

Preventing colorectal cancer is the best measure

As has been seen, many cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented. To achieve this, the first thing is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise, control of body weight, and adequate nutrition.

It is also crucial that people are up-to-date with screening tests. As noted, this not only applies to older people but also involves younger people. Finding colorectal cancer early can mean the difference between life and death.