Colon cancer is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or the large intestine.

Over the years, many people have been found to develop colon cancer, and it has been linked to various factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and age. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of young adults developing early-onset colon cancer, and this has raised concern among medical professionals.

What is Early-Onset Colon Cancer?

Early-onset colon cancer is a type of colon cancer that develops in individuals who are younger than 50 years old. It is also referred to as young-onset colon cancer or simply early colon cancer.

The standard age at which most people develop colon cancer is 50 years old. However, in recent years, the number of young adults developing colon cancer has been on the rise.

Statistics and Prevalence

In the United States, the prevalence of early-onset colon cancer has been steadily increasing over the years. Currently, it is estimated that 11% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people younger than 50 years old.

This means that more than 10,000 new cases of early-onset colon cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. In addition, studies have shown that young adults with early-onset colon cancer tend to have more advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis.

Symptoms and Detection

Early-onset colon cancer has symptoms that are similar to those of colon cancer that develops in older adults. These symptoms may include a change in bowel movements, blood in the stool, cramping, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

However, early-onset colon cancer may be harder to detect because most young adults do not undergo regular colon cancer screenings until later in life. Colon cancer screenings involve tests such as colonoscopies and fecal tests, which can detect colon cancer in its early stages, before it spreads, and becomes more advanced.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors have been associated with early-onset colon cancer.

These factors include a family history of colon cancer, a personal history of certain types of cancer, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and lifestyle factors such as a diet high in processed foods and low in fiber. In addition, studies have shown that those with a high body mass index (BMI) or who smoke may also be at increased risk of developing early-onset colon cancer.

Treatment

The treatment of early-onset colon cancer depends on various factors such as the stage of cancer, the patient’s age, and their health status.

Treatment options for early-onset colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Early detection is key to successful treatment, which is why regular colon cancer screenings are essential for young adults at risk of developing the disease.

Prevention

There are several steps that young adults can take to lower their risk of developing early-onset colon cancer.

These steps include leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a diet high in fiber and low in processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and getting regular exercise. In addition, young adults should undergo regular colon cancer screenings, especially those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors for the disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, early-onset colon cancer is a concerning issue that is affecting young adults worldwide. The rise in the number of young adults developing colon cancer has raised concern among medical professionals.

Early detection is key to successful treatment, which is why regular colon cancer screenings are essential for young adults at risk of developing the disease. By leading a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular colon cancer screenings, young adults can take steps to reduce their risk of developing early-onset colon cancer.