Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has long been thought of as a disease that primarily affects older individuals. However, in recent years there has been a concerning trend of younger people being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Not only is this unusual, but it also raises questions about why younger people are developing this disease and what can be done to prevent it.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It typically starts as a polyp, which is a growth that forms on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can turn into cancerous tumors.

Colon cancer is most commonly found in individuals who are over the age of 50, but it can occur at any age. There are many factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing colon cancer, including a family history of the disease, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, and an unhealthy diet.

The Rise of Colon Cancer in Young People

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with colon cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colon cancer in individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily increasing since the mid-1990s. In fact, the incidence of colon cancer in adults under the age of 50 has increased by 2% per year over the past two decades.

The reasons for this increase are not entirely clear, but there are several factors that may be contributing to the rise of colon cancer in young people.

One possible explanation is that younger individuals are being diagnosed more frequently because doctors are more aware of the disease and are testing for it more often. However, there is evidence to suggest that there are other factors at play as well.

Possible Risk Factors for Colon Cancer in Young People

Several studies have identified potential risk factors for colon cancer in young people. Here are some of the most significant:.

Obesity

Obesity is a known risk factor for a number of different types of cancer, including colon cancer. Individuals who are obese are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who are not.

This may be because obesity is linked to a number of other risk factors for colon cancer, such as a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet.

Unhealthy Diet

A diet that is high in processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer in young people.

This is because these types of foods can cause inflammation in the body and damage the cells in the colon and rectum.

Genetic Factors

There are several genetic conditions that can increase an individual’s risk of developing colon cancer, and some of these conditions are more common in younger individuals.

For example, individuals with Lynch syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing colon cancer at a young age.

Smoking

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for a number of different types of cancer, including colon cancer. However, it is also one of the most preventable risk factors.

If you are a smoker, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Young People

Colon cancer can be difficult to diagnose in young people because the symptoms are often non-specific and can be caused by a variety of other conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the following symptoms:.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of stools, can be a sign of colon cancer.

Blood in Stool

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer. However, it is important to note that blood in the stool can also be caused by other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating can be a sign of colon cancer. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue or weakness can be a sign of colon cancer. However, these symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other conditions.

Preventing Colon Cancer in Young People

There are several steps that young people can take to reduce their risk of developing colon cancer:.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Avoiding processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats can also be beneficial.

Stay Active

Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of colon cancer, as well as a number of other health conditions.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a major risk factor for colon cancer, as well as a number of other types of cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Get Screened

Colon cancer screening is recommended for individuals who are over the age of 50, or for younger individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened.

Conclusion

The rise of colon cancer in young people is concerning, and it highlights the need for more research into the causes of the disease.

However, there are steps that young people can take to reduce their risk of developing colon cancer, such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, not smoking, and getting screened. By taking these steps, young people can help protect themselves from this deadly disease.