We have all had friends and family diagnosed with colon cancer CRC.
Todays article is on the facts of colon cancer. It is striking people that were previously thought to be "too young" to have to worry, but we now know everyone should have a concern/awareness for early detection if there are changes in their colon activity.
Who is at risk? People over 50 have the highest risk as it increases with age. The risk, though is rising for younger adults, 20's, 30's and 40's. Other risk factors include family history of CRC, smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol use, diets laden with red meats, preserved meats, and high fatty foods. Others at risk are those that have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis, Recent reports point to a sedentary lifestyle as a risk. Diabetes is a known risk, men are at higher risk, and a personal history of certain types of polyps. There are certain inherited syndromes, ie Lynch Syndrome which account for 2-4% of the CRC's.
What to watch for? Know your body. Know when it changes? Have you always had bowel regularity? Is there a change in your pattern? If you have blood on your tissue as you wipe, don't excuse it as a hemorrhoid, get it checked. Too many people want to believe they are ok and excuse their symptoms as "nothing". Nothing is "nothing" in regards to your health. Abdominal pain is never normal, especially as we age. Always get it checked.
We have learned so much through the years and science is affording us with new knowledge that we didn't have in the past. We need to take advantage of it, the knowledge. The 4 warning signs are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia. Any provider will recognize those symptoms as a warning. Don't let anyone tell you it is not a concern, no matter what age., those symptoms are a concern.
Why is there a rise in early onset colorectal cancer? CRC. It is now considered is the third most common cancer in the US among both men and women. The screening adopted in the 1980s lead to a steady decline in cases among adults over 50. But there has been a steady rise in cases since the mid 1990s, things are changing. Screening has changed now to 45, but half of the early onset CRCs are under 45 years of which screening has not been recommended. This is a frightening statistic as at that age they are more likely to ignore the symptoms.
Next step, go to your doctor if you have symptoms. Blood tests will be done, a colonoscopy and imaging, ie a CT scan. With those tests, it will give the provider the information that they need to move forward in your work up.
Saturday, March 8th, Part 2 Of CRC. What's Next?