Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a life-threatening disease that originates in the colon. It occurs when malignant cells grow in the lining of the colon and can cause multiple complications if left untreated.

One of the most important factors that can increase the risk of colon cancer is the use of certain drugs among people under 50 years old.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, including:.

Age: people above 50 are more prone to develop colon cancer
Family history of colon cancer
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor diet high in fat and red meat
Some medical conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Some genetic syndromes
Use of certain medications

Drugs That Heighten the Risk of Colon Cancer by 50%

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Oncology identified certain medications that increased the risk of developing colon cancer by 50% for people under 50 years old.

The findings of the study are important because colon cancer is generally considered to be a disease that affects older people, but it is becoming more common among younger people in recent years.

Drugs That Increase the Risk of Colon Cancer Among Under 50s

Here are some of the drugs that have been found to increase the risk of colon cancer by 50% among under 50s:.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also have unintended consequences.

According to the findings of the study, people who took antibiotics for a prolonged period of time were at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was also found to be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are medications used to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They are commonly used to treat conditions like acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers.

The study found that people who used PPIs for a prolonged period of time had an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are medications used to relieve inflammation and pain. They are commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis and headache.

However, the study found that prolonged use of NSAIDs, in particular aspirin, was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer among under 50s.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are medications used to prevent pregnancy. The study found that women who used oral contraceptives for a prolonged period of time had an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. The study found that prolonged use of acetaminophen was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer among under 50s.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a dangerous disease that can have serious consequences if left untreated.

While there are multiple risk factors associated with colon cancer, the use of certain medications among younger people has been found to increase the risk of developing colon cancer by 50%. Therefore, it is important to monitor the use of medications and be aware of the potential side effects.