Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States (excluding skin cancer). Fortunately, diagnosis rates have dropped yearly since the mid-1980s, thanks to people getting screened regularly and making healthy lifestyle changes.
The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 154,270 people will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2025, and an expected 52,900 will die from the disease. Due to screenings and advancements in treatment, there are now over 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer. While diagnosis rates overall have dropped in the last few decades, colon cancer is becoming more prevalent in people under the age of 55.
Many people avoid the topic of colorectal screening because they dread going through the prep, are afraid of what the result might be, or think they are too young to be diagnosed. People often fail to understand that cancer does not discriminate against age. The rates of colon cancer in young adults between the ages of 25 and 29 have increased significantly around the world.
New guidelines recommend everyone to get screened at the age of 45. High-risk individuals may need to start at an earlier age. You or a loved one may fall into this category if you have:
- A family history of colon cancer
- A personal history of cancer or previously found polyps in past screenings
- A history of inflammatory bowel disease
Recognizing symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer is also essential to reducing delays in diagnosis. Some of these symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Changes in bowel habits (including stool caliber)
- Bloody stool or rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
Umair Masood, MD
Gastroenterologist, Trinity Medical Gastroenterology
Colon cancer is over 90% preventable with regular screenings. It is important to note that, like many other cancers, colon cancer does not present any symptoms until it has spread and is in the later stages when it is much more difficult to treat. Getting screened helps your doctor detect cancer early, so you can begin treatment when it is most effective.
There are several screening methods available today, so don’t put off your screening any longer. If colonoscopy prep has you hesitant to go in for your screening, talk to your gastroenterologist about other options. The bottom line here is: that screenings can save your life, so don’t put off tomorrow what you should do today!
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