Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 (video)

New data from the American Cancer Society: the incidence of colon cancer is increasing, experts have named the reasons.

Mortality from colorectal cancer

Data The American Cancer Society shows that overall cancer mortality continues to decline, but there is an increase in mortality from some types, particularly colorectal cancer. Scientists say colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among men under age 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death among women under age 50 in the United States. It is now the third most common cancer in the world. writes Medical News Today.

Reasons for the increase in mortality – the opinion of experts

According to report author Rebecca Segal, MD, senior scientific director for surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, the success of tobacco control and the sharp decline in lung cancer deaths may explain the rise in colon cancer deaths among men and women under age 50. . Segal says:

“It is also associated with an increase in the incidence of colon cancer in people born after the 1950s, for reasons that researchers are now studying. But they likely include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, changes in diet, overuse of antibiotics, the impact of microplastics on intestines, etc.”Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist and chief physician at St. John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California, who was not involved in the study, said inflammation may be another likely cause of the increase in colon cancer deaths:

“Inflammation has been shown to increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease, as well as cancer.”

Dr. Stephen Lee-Kong, professor of surgery and chief of colorectal surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, who was also not involved in the study, said some potential factors that may be associated with increased mortality from colon cancer may be caused by lack of preventive screening examinations and ignorance of family history.

What you need to know about colon cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the colon, part of the colon, and rectum. It is usually seen in people over 50 years of age. However, scientists note that among young people, the number of colon cancer diagnoses has almost doubled. This type of cancer usually starts in polyps inside the colon. Although they are not cancerous, they can develop into cancer over time. They can be detected during regular screening tests recommended for adults aged 45 to 75 years. Typical symptoms:

• bloody stools;
• frequent diarrhea or constipation;
• abdominal pain, cramping and/or bloating;
• fatigue;
• causeless weight loss.

The earlier colon cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis: the five-year survival rate is 91% if the disease is detected before the cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum.

Can screenings help reduce mortality?

Dr. Segal explains:

“We need to increase screening to age 45 for people at high risk, increase awareness of the risk and symptoms of the disease so that people see their doctor more often for preventive purposes and learn about the disease earlier so that treatment is more successful. And reduce stigma so that patients feel more comfortable.” talk about the disease and its symptoms.”

Dr. Bilchik believes people should know that colon cancer and prostate cancer are preventable, and there are excellent screening methods. In the United States, for example, these are home stool tests, which are 92% effective in detecting cancer cells.

Prevention measures

Bilchik gives basic tips for protecting against colorectal cancer:

• exercise at least five days a week for 30-40 minutes at a time;
• avoid processed foods whenever possible;
• limit your consumption of red meat, as excessive amounts can cause colon cancer;
• Don’t ignore symptoms such as rectal bleeding, stomach pain, and weight loss;
• do not smoke.

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