INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – It’s a mystery. The number of colorectal cancer cases is declining for people 50 and older but going up for younger people. Doctors don’t know why. A new study is identifying younger people who might need to be screened before they’re 45. Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.
Brian Van Bokkelen is always embracing new things. He recently learned to play the guitar. At 46, he also knows it’s time to stay in tune with his health.
“If my doctor’s telling me it’s time to start checking on these things, it’s time to start checking on them,” says Brian.
Last year, he had his first colonoscopy, and fortunately, the results were good. The recommended age for colorectal cancer screening is now 45. It was lowered due to an increase in cases in people younger than 50 – what’s called early-onset colorectal cancer.
Research scientist at Regenstrief and Professor of Medicine at the IU School of Medicine, Thomas Imperiale, MD says half of early-onset colorectal cancer cases occur in people ages 45 to 49, but the other half is found in people younger than that.
“So, even with these new recommendations to start screening at age 45, half of early-onset colon cancer could be missed,” explains Dr. Imperiale.
Dr. Imperiale led a study of 3,000 male veterans ages 35 to 49. His research identified several risk factors, which include being at the top of the age range in the study, no regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Advil or Aleve, no regular use of statins, use of alcohol, family history, and other comorbidities.
Dr. Imperiale further urges, “If you’re 45 to 49 years old, you should be talking to your primary care provider about getting screened for colon cancer.”
There are also symptoms doctors say you need to watch for – they include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, lower abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss and anemia. If you notice any of these, see your doctor.
Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Kyle Fisher, Videographer; Matt Goldschmidt, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.regenstrief.org/article/study-identifies-risk-factors-early-onset-colorectal-cancer/
https://www.regenstrief.org/article/study-identifies-risk-factors-early-onset-colorectal-cancer/
https://coloncancercoalition.org/get-educated/genetics/family-history/
MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMARY
TOPIC: RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY-ONSET COLORECTAL CANCER
REPORT: MB #5363
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with its incidence increasing with age. It usually begins as a small growth called a polyp, which may be benign initially but can become cancerous over time if not detected and treated. Most cases occur in individuals over the age of 50, although it can affect younger people. It is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and is the second leading cause of death. It is a life-threatening disease but is highly curable if it is detected early on. Early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve the prognosis for colorectal cancer. A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps increases the risk as well as certain genetic syndromes, poor diet high in red and processed meats, low fiber intake, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. While the disease has traditionally been considered a disease of older adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, a trend that has been observed over the past few decades. While the overall incidence of colorectal cancer has been declining in older age groups, particularly due to increased screening and awareness, there has been a concerning rise in the rates of colorectal cancer among younger adults.
DIAGNOSING: Diagnosing colorectal cancer typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. Early detection is key to improving outcomes and increasing the chances of successful treatment. During diagnosis, a healthcare provider will inquire about any symptoms the patient may be experiencing, such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. A family history of colorectal cancer, personal medical history, and lifestyle factors are also evaluated to assess the risk of developing the disease. Screening tests, diagnostic tests, blood tests, and genetic testing will also be conducted during diagnostic procedures. If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, staging tests help determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
NEW TECHNOLOGY: The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant progress in the technical fields as well as the medical field. Artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a vital role in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, offering innovative solutions to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes. AI algorithms analyze medical images, such as colonoscopies, CT scans, MRI scans, and histopathology slides, to assist healthcare providers in detecting abnormalities indicative of colorectal cancer.
(Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1128084/full
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Regenstrief Public Relations
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