Colorectal Cancer Alert in Young Adults
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College students at risk: know the symptoms, act early, and protect your health.
When you think of colon cancer, do you picture someone over 50? What if the reality is starting to look a lot closer to your own age group? There has been a noticeable increase in colorectal cancer cases amongst the younger generation in recent years, with some diagnoses occurring in individuals as young as 18. According to the American Cancer Society, “20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under age 55.” Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects the colon and/or rectum, both of which are part of the digestive system. Experts believe that a combination of lifestyle and environment factors play a big role in the rise of colorectal cancer diagnoses. Diets that consist of mostly fast food and processed snacks, foods that college students mostly consume, have been linked to this increased colorectal cancer risk. Low fiber intake and long hours spent sedentary also have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
One of the biggest issues with colorectal cancer in younger people is that the symptoms are easy to ignore. Warning signs like stomach pain, low iron levels, blood in the stool, or changes in bathroom habits, are often brushed off as stress and bad diets that most college students have. With a busy class schedule, jobs, and life outside of the classroom, most students do not think twice about these symptoms, but ignoring these symptoms can have serious consequences. Treatment can become difficult if colorectal cancer is discovered late and can affect your health leading to difficulty in your ability to stay in school, go to work, and maintain relationships.
While the rise in colorectal cancer amongst young people is concerning, it is often preventable and treatable if detected early. Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet that includes enough fiber, and limiting the amount of processed foods can all help reduce the risk of getting this type of cancer. Pay attention to any changes your body is going through, because symptoms that may seem small should not be ignored. Talking to your doctor about any rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and change in bowel habits can make a big difference. Even though we all get busy with college life and feel overwhelmed at times, maintaining your health must remain a top priority.
Sources:
https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people