Colorectal cancer alert for millennials and Gen X: Pay attention to these symptoms

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum. It's one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Thanks to obesity and alcohol consumption, bowel cancer has become the primary cause of rising death toll among young adults. A 2023 study published in the Annals of Oncology marks the first time that bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) deaths among young people—Millennials and Gen Xers ages 25-49—are predicted to rise in some European countries, and confirms a trend researchers first noted in 2021.


What is colorectal cancer?

The colon and rectum are both parts of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Most colorectal cancers are curable when localized to the bowel. However, recurrence following surgery is a major problem and is often the ultimate cause of death. Colorectal cancer can develop when cells in the colon or rectum change and no longer behave normally. These changes can lead to precancerous conditions, such as adenomas, or colorectal cancer itself. The most common type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the gland cells that line the colon or rectum.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.

Reasons behind colorectal cancer:

Colorectal cancer can be caused by a number of factors. Inherited genetic mutations or variants can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can also increase the risk. Besides, unhealthy lifestyle choices can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. A diet low in fruits and vegetables, high in fat, and low in fibre, high in processed meats contribute to this kind of cancer. Being overweight or obese and lack of regular physical activity too are glaring reasons for colorectal cancer in millennials and Gen X. Habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption too catalyse the cancer of this kind. Alcohol consumption has been linked to early onset bowel cancer, which tends to be more aggressive and lethal, when compared to the kind that’s diagnosed in older individuals.

As per doctors, being overweight or obese—and related health conditions like hyperglycemia and diabetes—are the primary factors responsible.

In the late 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women younger than age 50. Now, according to the American Cancer Society, it is the leading cause of cancer death among such men and the second leading among such women.

According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, millennials born between 1981 and 1996 are at twice the risk of colorectal cancer when compared to people born in 1950. The same research found that people younger than 55 are almost 60% more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage disease than older adults, making survival a greater challenge.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer:

Colorectal cancer can have a variety of symptoms, including:

Bowel changes: Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements

Blood in the stool: Bright red or dark brown or black blood in or on stool

Abdominal pain: Cramping, aches, or pain in the abdomen, back, buttocks, or legs

Weight loss: Unintended weight loss

Other symptoms of colorectal cancer include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, or a lump in the abdomen or rectum.

If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may appear as jaundice, which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. Enlarged liver, which can be felt during an exam, is also a sign of the same. Difficulty breathing or a cough for a prolonged time can also indicate colorectal cancer.

Treatment for colorectal cancer:

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms at first, so regular screenings are important. Early detection can make the cancer easier to treat. The treatment of it depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their preferences.

The primary treatment for many stages of colorectal cancer is surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the cancer and reconstruct the bowel. Given in cycles, usually every 2–3 weeks, with rest periods in between, chemotherapy can be administered in a doctor's office, infusion centre, or hospital. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat colorectal cancer, depending on the stage. Apart from that, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and cryosurgery are also used to treat colorectal cancer, depending on the stage.

Treatment for rectal cancer may differ from that of colon cancer because of the increased risk of recurrence and poorer prognosis. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or procedures. They are one way to get access to the latest cancer treatments. You can ask your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.
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