r remains a significant global health concern, responsible for approximately ten million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although most cancers are commonly associated with older age groups, there is a growing trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with the disease.
A recent study, published in August 2023 in JAMA Network Open, examined the incidence of cancer among individuals under 50 years old between 2010 and 2019. The findings revealed a 0.74% increase in early-onset cancer rates during this period. Furthermore, gastrointestinal cancers emerged as the most prevalent, experiencing a rapid rise at a rate of 2.16% per year. To shed light on this concerning trend, OnlyMyHealth interviewed Dr. N Ramana Reddy, Consultant-Surgical Oncology at HCG MNR Cancer Centre, Ongole.
What constitutes colon cancer
Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, originates in the colon or rectum, both parts of the large intestine. It typically initiates when a polyp, an abnormal tissue growth, forms on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It’s crucial to understand that while not all polyps are cancerous, some have the potential to develop into cancer over time.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colon cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. In 2020 alone, there were over 1.09 million new cases of colorectal cancer reported, resulting in more than 930,000 deaths.
In India, the incidence rates of colon cancer vary across eight population registries, ranging from 3.7 to 0.7 cases per 100,000 among men and from 3.0 to 0.4 cases per 100,000 among women.
What factors contribute to the increased susceptibility of younger individuals to colon cancer
While colorectal cancer traditionally affects individuals over 50, it’s increasingly observed in younger age groups, challenging the notion that it’s solely an ailment of the elderly. Shockingly, it’s now the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths among young adults. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer fall within the age range of 20 to 54, as reported by the Colon Cancer Coalition.
Dr. Reddy points out that while the exact causes remain unclear, lifestyle choices, dietary patterns, and genetic predispositions likely play significant roles.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Dr. Kimmie Ng from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute elaborates that while genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis heighten the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer, they only account for 10-20% of cases. She emphasizes that environmental factors are more influential in altering disease incidence across generations than biological factors.
Signs and symptoms to be mindful of at the outset
Dr. Reddy notes that colon cancer can manifest without symptoms in its early stages. Nevertheless, there are specific warning signs to be vigilant about:
- Indicators to be mindful of include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Unexplained alterations in bowel habits
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
Methods for early detection and diagnosis include
Dr. Reddy emphasizes that the choice of screening procedures depends on individual preferences and risk factors.
Options include:
Colonoscopy, which enables the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
Other screening methods such as fecal occult blood tests and sigmoidoscopy are also available.
Routine screening for colon cancer is recommended at age 50. However, individuals with a family history or other risk factors should undergo screening earlier.
Ways to lower your risk of colon cancer include
Although there’s no guaranteed method to completely eliminate the risk of colon cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the chances. This includes:Maintaining a balanced diet with ample portions of vegetables, fruits, and proteins while minimizing processed foods and red meat consumption.
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Avoiding excessive alcohol intake and refraining from smoking.These lifestyle choices can effectively reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.