The number of colon cancer cases is increasing in young people. Experts say that there are several factors that favor the risk of this condition

The number of colon cancer cases is increasing in young people. In recent years, the numbers have doubled in the under-55 age group. Experts believe that there are several factors behind this alarming spread.

Even if the overall numbers are small, any increase is cause for concern. The biggest increase in cases is in the youngest group of people assessed, who are between 20 and 29.

The number of colon cancer cases is increasing in young people

Colorectal cancer is usually diagnosed in adults over 50. Recent studies have shown an increase in the rate of early onset in young adults, comply with Medical News Today.

“We have seen an alarming and worrying increase in colorectal cancer cases in young people. It’s increased about 1 to 2 percent a year since the 1990s,” said Dr. Robin Mendelsohn, co-director of the Center for Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

right American Cancer Societythe number of positive colorectal cancer diagnoses increased by 60% in 2019.

Generally, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is estimated to be around 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. Each person’s risk may be higher or lower depending on the triggers they are exposed to.

Colon cancer is preventable

Factors that may underlie the increase in the number of colorectal cancer cases often include a diet high in processed meat, excess weight, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and chronic diseases such as diabetes and other metabolic disorders. At the same time, some risk factors cannot be controlled such as genetic inheritance, according to Huffpost.

“It’s clearly not because something new is happening genetically, which means it’s probably due to environmental factors. Each of these individual factors is not a major risk factor, but when you put all of these things together, they may underlie some of what we’re seeing – but we don’t have a definitive answer ,” said Dr. Nilofer Saba Azad , co-director of cancer genetics and epigenetics at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended after the age of 45. According to the statements made by R. Mendelsohn, this test can bring two benefits. The first is to find cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat. The second is the identification of polyps, a type of precancerous growth that may, over time, turn into cancer.

In Romania, more than 95,000 colorectal cancers are diagnosed every year. Estimates show a 6% increase in cancer incidence by 2035, with 8.3% in men and 3.3% in women, according to the National Institute of Public Health.

In addition to colonoscopy, there are other test methods for colon cancer. Stool tests or a computed tomography (CT) scan called a virtual colonoscopy may be performed.

Also, even if there is no way yet in Romania, colorectal cancer screening it can be done with a blood test in the United States.