Important Information for Young Adults About Colorectal Cancer

Posted by Cancer Center at Wise Regional on July 25th, 2019

Colorectal cancer has been associated with older people and the recommended age for screening is 50 years. However, a study recently showed an increase in colorectal cancer deaths by over 1.5 percent every year between 1988 and 2014 in people aged 30 to 39.

The figure increased by 1.9 percent in those aged between 40 and 49. Doctors and researchers aren’t quite sure why this is happening but the fact that it is happening is a wake-up call for young adults.

It is important for young adults to understand the factors that put them at risk of colorectal cancer. This will help withearly detection and subsequent treatment. Some of the things that will predispose young adults include:

•    Unhealthy life choices including eating fatty, fried and processed foods. A balanced diet with high fiber content is important as well as staying adequately hydrated. Alcohol also increases the risk. All these habits coupled with a lack of physical exercise or living a sedentary lifestyle makes for a bad combination. Exercise is necessary for healthy living and warding off many ailments.

•    Smoking raises the risk of colorectal cancer and quitting would be a great path to take. If quitting on your own is difficult, enlist the help of professionals to help you through it. Studies show quitting smoking makes a big difference in the long run.

•    Having a family history of colorectal cancer, especially if the relative was diagnosed when they were 50 or younger, increases your likelihood of developing it too.

If you experience any chronic abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, any rectal bleeding, or a low red blood cell count, you should see a doctor. Talk to them about the possibility of colorectal cancer despite your age. If they see it fit to take tests, go ahead and do so. It could be the thing that saves your life.

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North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas.