From the moment that you turn 50, your doctor will automatically test you for colon or rectal cancers. Several decades have passed with this statute in place, and millions of seniors have benefited with early cancer detection and remission. However, researchers report that colorectal cancer rates are actually increasing in the population. Take a close look at the rise of colorectal cancer and possible solutions.
The Young at Risk
Cancers centered in the colon or rectum are normally associated with age. As your body enters the senior years, certain tissues age at varying rates. With this fact in mind, it makes sense that colorectal cancer tends to develop in people who're at retirement ages. Startling statistics are showing otherwise, however. Twenty-year-olds are being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancers at greater rates than before. Doctors are concerned with this rising rate because there's no clear reason for the change. Researching this cancer even further will be the only way to find a specific reason.
Overlooked Diagnoses
Doctors are concerned about young people developing colorectal cancer because it's largely overlooked during standard office visits. These cancers present themselves with basic symptoms, including upset stomach, diarrhea and other intestinal issues. Professionals simply write off the complaints as a stomach flu or bowel problem. During this time period, the cancer has a chance to grow and develop further. As a result, young people find themselves fighting a cancer that's normally discovered early on in older people. Today's doctors need to consider more diagnoses than before as cancer risk rises among the young adults.
Possible Contributing Factors
Researchers can only guess at the causes of colorectal cancer in young people today. Common factors that contribute to cancer are normally a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, excess alcohol consumption and poor diets. People with chronic ailments, such as diabetes, also have a higher risk of cancer. However, none of the young people presenting with colorectal cancer have a clear connection between their habits. More research must be done in order to understand the relationship between young age and this particular cancer.
Preventive Care
The best way to prevent colon and rectal cancers is through colonoscopies. These tests are invasive, but they shed a light on any growths within the digestive system. When young people complain of chronic digestive issues, doctors should take that extra step to order a colonoscopy. These tests find polyps that are just barely forming, which can save a person's life. Seniors may want to go to an appointment with their younger loved one in order to support them through the process. It's an important test to complete so that the doctor has all of the necessary information for a diagnosis.
Surgical Options
If a young person's cancer is found to be advanced in nature, surgery is an option. Removing the cancerous parts of the colon and undergoing chemotherapy are often used as a combination therapy. Doctors must remove or eradicate all of the cancer so that it cannot continue to spread. Patients normally visit the doctor consistently after any surgery because possible recurrence must be discovered as soon as it develops.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any unusual issues with the digestive system, bring up this fact with your doctor. Professionals are more aware than ever that cancer isn't entirely impossible in young people. Catching any cancer in its early stages gives anyone a better chance at survival.