The taboo nature surrounding cancer and cancer diagnosis only fitting certain age groups or races is being debunked with new findings revealing that colorectal cancer rates for those between the ages of 20-39 years old have been rising by 2% on average every year, as reported by the American Cancer Society. Despite The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowering the recommended screening age to 45, a UCLA study found that less than 1 in 4 eligible younger adults have been screened.
April represents National Cancer Control Month, and in an exclusive interview with gastrointestinal medical oncologist, Fiyinfolu Balogun, MD, PhD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, he revealed more about the newer discovery that he, alongside colleagues, are finding with colorectal cancer rates rising among adults younger than 50 years old.
“We believe that it is due to something environmental, meaning something that is not inherently from within us (our genetics), but rather something that we’re exposed to from the outside world. This could come from what we eat, the air we breathe, what we drink, etc. Some recent studies have identified potential bacterial types that may be associated with this rise in colorectal cancer (CRC) rates in younger adults,” Dr. Balogun expressed.
He continued on to explain that while there is continued research happening towards what could have caused this type of bacteria to spread, there are still trends that have been showing higher proportions of some specific subtypes of colorectal cancer in younger patients that have to be treated differently.
According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms that may help someone identify if they may have the condition or not include: blood in stool, constipation, and general abdominal discomfort. With these symptoms in mind, it’s important to have in mind that the recurrence of these symptoms over an extended period of time should be taken seriously and assessed by a medical professional. Screenings for the condition are also imperative to prevention. They help to determine early detection and … African Americans also have the highest rates of CRC, with 40% higher rates of death from the condition, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
“Prevention is always better than cure. It is important for adults to make sure they’re up-to-date on their screening. While the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer in the average risk individual starts at 45 years old, other risk factors within each individual can require them to start earlier. Knowing your risk factors are important. Family history is a very important risk factor, so we should speak freely and frequently with our families about medical histories; something that is not done enough within Black families,” Dr. Balogun said in response to what his recommendations are for prevention.
In addition to this, ensuring that one maintains an active lifestyle through exercise, healthy body weight through avoiding and increasing their intake of fiber-rich foods, alongside fruits and vegetables, can help aid in prevention and overall health.
Though it is important to cleanse your bowels as regularly as possible, this does not prevent colorectal cancer. In fact, this is one of the biggest misconceptions that Dr. Balogun believes exist among those that are unfamiliar with the condition. “It is true that keeping our bowels moving helps decrease the risk of this cancer, but this is primarily from when we eat lots of fiber in our diet,” Dr. Balogun explained.
To learn more about colorectal cancer and what preventative measures could look like for you or a loved one, following the work of organizations such as the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the Colon Cancer Coalition can help expand awareness. It is also recommended to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if any of the aforementioned symptoms are present and not to wait until symptoms worsen.