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Experts say cancer screening is critical to preventing the rise in colorectal cancer deaths.Moe Lindsay Rivera/Stocksy
  • New data from the American Cancer Society shows that deaths from colorectal cancer continue to rise.
  • Meanwhile, overall cancer deaths are decreasing in the United States.
  • Colon cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death in men under age 50 and the second leading cause of death in women under age 50 in the United States.

The American Cancer Society recently Cancer statistics for 2024 A report detailing the latest facts and trends about cancer.

The report shows that while overall cancer deaths continue to decline in the United States, cancer deaths are increasing for some specific cancers, primarily colorectal cancer. ing.

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death in women under 50 in the United States, according to new data. ing

according to Rebecca Siegel, MPH, the American Cancer Society’s senior scientific director for surveillance research and the report’s lead author, said the success of tobacco control and the sharp decline in deaths from lung cancer has led to an increase in deaths from colorectal cancer for both men and women. It’s a big part of the reason why. He is 50 years old.

“But it’s also because the incidence of colorectal cancer is currently increasing in people born after the 1950s due to: Under investigation Many researchers have pointed out that this includes increased obesity, consumption of highly processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, overuse of antibiotics, and even intestinal exposure to microplastics. These may include changes in diet and the gut microbiome,” Segal said. Today’s medical news.

“The increase in colorectal cancer in people under age 50 is the same for men and women, strongly suggesting that the cause is external environmental and behavioral changes, rather than hormonal or endogenous,” she said. added.

Dr. Anton BilchikA surgical oncologist, medical director, and director of the gastrointestinal-hepatobiliary program at St. John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, Calif., who was not involved in the study, said this increase in colon cancer deaths is another contributing factor to the increase in colon cancer deaths. The theory said it could be inflammation.

“Inflammation has been shown to cause an increase in cardiovascular disease as well as cancer,” Dr. Bilchik said. MNT. “The concern is that a lot of it starts from a very early age, and we’re really starting to educate children about what they’re eating and the importance of not leading a sedentary lifestyle, starting from pre-school. We need to start,” he added.

Dr. Stephen ReconProfessor of Surgery and Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, said there are a number of potential He said that the following factors may be contributing factors: Adherence to preventive health screening tests, poor health insurance coverage, lack of knowledge about family history (as this may contribute to increased risk of colorectal cancer), and recent patient There is a lack of knowledge regarding the declining age of testing. ”

Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.

at present, 3rd most common cancer In the world.

Colon cancer is usually seen in people over 50 years old, but it can occur at any age, and previous studies have shown that young people are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It is shown that .

Typical symptoms of colon cancer are:

  • bloody stool
  • frequent diarrhea or constipation
  • Stomach pain, cramps, and bloating
  • Malaise
  • Unexplained weight loss

This type of cancer usually begins in clusters of cells called polyps that grow within the colon. It doesn’t automatically lead to cancer, but over time it can develop into colon cancer.

Polyps can be detected through regular screening tests, which are recommended for adults. From 45 to 75 years old And it was deleted.

The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better treatment options and potential outcomes are available. 5 year survival rate If the cancer is found before it has spread outside the colon or rectum, the chance is 91%.

Asked how to stop the rise in colon cancer deaths, Siegel said it’s difficult because the cause is unknown.

“However, following recommendations for getting tested, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting intake of red and processed meat and alcohol, and quitting smoking, colorectal “There are many ways to reduce your cancer risk,” she continued.

“It’s also important to see your doctor if you continue to experience symptoms such as blood in the stool or rectum, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits or stool shape,” Dr. Siegel added.

Dr. Lee-Kong said she is increasingly alarmed that the incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults continues to increase but is poorly understood.

“Continued disparities among patients of color require a better understanding of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality,” he added.

Siegel said certain action items need to be followed when it comes to screening for colorectal cancer.

“We will increase screening tests by age 45 for those at high risk and by age 45 for everyone else,” she elaborated. “We raise awareness about the risks and increased symptoms, and when treatments become more effective, people can go to the doctor and get a diagnosis sooner. And we reduce stigma, so people learn more about the disease and its symptoms.” You will be able to talk easily.”

Dr. Bilchik said the bottom line is that people need to realize that cancers like colon cancer and prostate cancer are preventable and that there are very good screening methods.

“We have a highly sensitive home stool-based test with a sensitivity of over 92% to detect cancer cells,” he continued. “So you don’t have to just do a colonoscopy. It’s much easier in that you don’t have to prepare your bowels and you can do the test at home.

“While colonoscopy remains the gold standard and is certainly recommended for high-risk individuals, there are simpler, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives,” Dr. Bilchik added.

When it comes to protecting yourself from colon cancer, Dr. Li Kong advises: ”

Dr. Bilchik then offered basic tips for preventing colorectal cancer:

  • Exercise for 30 to 40 minutes at a time, at least five days a week
  • Avoid processed foods as much as possible
  • limit red meat intake Previous research Excessive intake of red meat is linked to colon cancer
  • Don’t ignore symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or weight loss.
  • avoid smoking
  • When you go to the supermarket, shop outside the store, where fruits, vegetables, and health foods are located, rather than inside, which is filled with processed foods.

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