NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest type of cancer, and 52,000 more deaths are expected in 2023. Even as older adults undergo regular screenings, should younger adults do the same?
Sonia Richard, 31, first noticed her colon cancer symptoms at 27.
“I’m bleeding, I’m having bloody stool, stomachaches, fatigue, weight loss. I went to four different doctors, and nobody said it was cancer, it was always, ‘You’re too young to have cancer.’,” Richard recalls.
A recent cancer study showed people between ages 20 and 49 show the steepest increase in late-stage, early-onset colorectal cancer.
Sonia says, “After my colonoscopy, it turned out, I had stage three C rectal cancer.”
Oncologist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, explains, “I’m seeing patients in my clinic that are 20 years old, 30 years old. So, these are young individuals that may have just graduated from college, graduated from grad school, embarking on some other aspect of their life, or may be in school or starting a family.”
Because early-onset is often overlooked, cancer can metastasize. Experts now advise to undergo colonoscopies by age 45 for patients not at high risk. The disease during this time is likely just pre-cancerous polyps.
“You know your body better than anybody else, and if something feels off, push for answers,” Richard emphasizes.
Dr. Eng is currently involved in a breakthrough study of a drug increasing survival rates in metastatic cancer that has shown to lower the death rate by 34 percent. But the real key to survival is finding cancer in the pre-malignant stage, which means additional testing.
Contributors to this news report include: Donna Parker, Producer; Roque Correa, Videographer & Editor.
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Source:
https://www.aacr.org/blog/2023/03/15/seeking-clues-to-early-onset-colorectal-cancer/
MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMARY
TOPIC: COLORECTAL CANCER ON THE RISE IN YOUNG
REPORT: MB #5272
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel, colon, or rectal cancer, affects the colon and rectum. It is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Colorectal cancer typically develops from benign growths called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The risk of developing the disease increases as age increases. Many people do not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The risk of colon cancer can be decreased by following a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular screenings are essential for detection and diagnosis. The rates of colon cancer have been declining in high-income countries due to effective screening programs.
(Sources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html)
DIAGNOSING: A timely diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. Understanding the symptoms and diagnostic methods can aid in early detection and improved outcomes. Symptoms can vary depending on the location and stage of the disease. In the early stages, there might be no noticeable symptoms, so routine screenings are vital, especially for individuals with risk factors. Common symptoms may include diarrhea, blood in the stools, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and low iron levels. Early detection through routine screenings is one of the most effective ways to catch colorectal cancer before it progresses. Diagnostic methods include colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, stool DNA testing, virtual colonoscopies, biopsies, and imaging.
(Sources: https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/symptoms
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases)
NEW TECHNOLOGY: New studies show that AI-assisted colonoscopies can increase polyp detection rates. For every one percent increase in this technology is a three percent possible decrease in the risk of developing cancer. The new AI-used methods are less invasive and take less testing time than traditional colonoscopies. With new technological advances, professionals can catch diseases earlier and treat them more comfortably and effectively.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Craig Boerner
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