Colon or colorectal cancer is the cancer that starts in the large intestine or the rectum, which is the end of the colon. In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr Vivek Mangla, Director-Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology, Max Super-Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, said, "Traditionally, colon cancer is seen in older age. However, in recent years, there has been a steady increase in its incidence amongst younger people.”
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has found four “red-flag signs and symptoms" for earlier diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer.
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The Study
The new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis involved 5,075 people with early-onset colorectal cancer. The purpose of the study was to find the early signs of colorectal cancer in the younger population. The four symptoms included:
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- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhoea
- Iron deficiency anaemia
Dr Mangla said, “According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) report published in 2017, people born around 1990 were at twice the risk of developing colon cancer and four times the risk of developing rectal cancer compared to those born around 1950. In various studies, incidence rates amongst young people increased by 1-2% per year, depending on gender and race with the sharpest rise in individuals aged 40-49 years. In a study from India, about 1/3rd of all cases of colorectal cancer occur in people younger than 45 years of age.”
While the reasons behind this increase in incidence are not entirely clear, the doctor attributes it to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, obesity, and genetic predisposition.
Role Of Early Detection
According to Dr Mangla, symptoms of colon cancer are often overlooked or misinterpreted in younger individuals, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment resulting in a more advanced stage at diagnosis leading to poorer outcomes. Screening tests include faecal occult blood test and colonoscopy. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic conditions may have a higher risk of developing these lesions and benefit more from regular screenings, said the doctor. “It must be understood that most colorectal cancers occur in individuals without any previous family history of colon cancer,” he added.
Therefore screening can help in the following ways:
Early Detection: Colon cancers often start as polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. Through screening, these polyps can be detected before they develop into cancer or at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment and increases survival rates.
Prevention: Colonoscopy not only helps detect cancer but also allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the procedure. Removing these polyps prevents them from developing into cancer altogether, effectively reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Conclusion
Health screenings are key in early detection of health problems and preventing complications. In addition, awareness is also of utmost importance. “Awareness campaigns, increased use of screening, and increased vigilance among healthcare professionals and young individuals are necessary. By promoting early detection and timely intervention, we can improve outcomes and reduce the impact of colon cancer in young people,” Dr Mangla concluded.