Most young adulthood individuals likely don't consider the prospect of a colonoscopy. However, instances of colon - or colorectal - cancer in those less than 50 years old are escalating as highlighted by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Colorectal cancer is deemed to be the second most lethal type of cancer within U.S. boundaries according to the ACS. The figures for people younger than 50 have consistently been climbing, increasing roughly two percent each year from between 2011 and 2016 according to a March 2020 article in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The mortality rate among this age bracket has also seen an uptick, with an annual increase of about 1.3% from between 2008 and 2017.
So what explains these trends? It's believed that Westernized diets, increased obesity prevalence and other potential factors may be driving up rates of colorectal cancers amongst younger demographics says Cassandra Fritz MD, residing assistant professor in Washington University's division of gastroenterology located in St Louis
Although concerning there is promising news contained within these statistics; "The total number of recorded colorectal cancer instances along with deaths relating to this disease have shown continuous decline overtime." According to medicinal oncologist at Perlmutter Cancer Centre based at NYU Langone Health [Paul Oberstein MD]((https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1265686075/paul-e-oberstein). What's the source of this positive trend? The increased prevalence of colonoscopy, a recognised screening method for detecting colorectal cancer.
So what's the advisable age to undergo screening? Below we'll outline guidelines in addition to five instances where undergoing testing prior reaching the officially recommended age might be a consideration.
You should always discuss with your physician about your personal susceptibility to colon cancer and the apropos time for screening.
When Is The Appropriate Time To Conduct A Colon Cancer Screening?
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force suggests beginning screenings at 45 years old and continuing until the age of 75. After reaching 76, discussions with your healthcare provider should be done to determine whether further examinations are necessary.
"The screening protocols apply typically for people who present no familial history of the disease and are considered average risk," says Michael Sapienza, CEO of Colorectal Cancer Alliance to lifeandglow.com (If you're uncertain about your potential risk, check out their online quiz on GetScreened.org.)
Screenings for Colorectal cancer have a variety of methods such as colonoscopy or stool testing like fecal immunochemical test (FIT), states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Sapienza, an at-home stool test like FIT is desirable if you possess an average risk level. However, selection between tests will vary depending on assessments of riskiness along with personal preferences and accessibility to health services.
Support mechanisms including financial aid programs aimed towards acquiring free or affordable care services are provided by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance too.
Always consult which alternatives might suit you best in consultation with your primary caregiver.
"Every exam has its risks vs advantages ratio but colonoscopies are deemed as 'gold standard', Dr. Oberstein elaborates."
Colonoscopies serve dual purposes: "Detecting cancer while it's still localised before any metastasis takes place thus presenting a chance for cure," says Dr. Oberstein, "Also, polyps or precancerous growths can form in your colon lining and often act as precursor to cancer. Removing the polyp before it develops into cancer."
However, there are certain circumstances where one ought to consider screenings before reaching 45 years. Below we list five such instances.
1. The Presence of Blood in Your Stool
Seeing blood in your stool signals a potential colon cancer symptom. Dr. Oberstein suggests that if an individual experiences this, reaching out to their healthcare provider is advisable.
This doesn't equitably suggest you have colon cancer should there be some red tinge on your toilet paper; the occurrence can also tie to hemorrhoids which are inflamed veins in your anus or rectum causing bleeding as outlined by Mayo Clinic. However, it's crucial not belittle the symptom and contact a medical professional promptly.
According to CDC, other prevalent symptoms relating to bowel movements when discussing colorectal cancer includes:
- Alterations in bowel habits
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- A sensation that you've not fully completed a bowel movement
- Abdominal discomfort
2. Signs of Fresh Anemia
Anemia is a condition that signifies a deficiency in healthy red blood cells within your body, as stated by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Several factors can cause this to occur such as having an intake low on iron-rich foods or experiencing intense menstruation periods but it could also signify the presence of colon cancer through slow bleeding according to Dr. Oberstein.
He continues saying, "While I wouldn't routinely order a colonoscopy each instance, It's crucial for this topic to be discussed while concurrently considering the potential necessity of undertaking one."
Accordingly to NHLBI, some key symptoms of anemia are:
- Feeling exhausted and weak
- Showing paleness
- Experiencing shortness in breath
- Having headaches
- Shivering
- Frequent instances fainting or feeling dizzy
- Manifestation of jaundice i.e., yellow skin coloration
Diagnosis usually occurs involving physical assessments complimented with blood tests executed by doctors.
3. You've Experienced Unanticipated Weight Loss
If you are finding your outfits increasingly loose or realizing a decline on the weighing scale - without making any conscious efforts to lose weight - it could be an indication of health problems.
It's important to note that there are many conditions which can lead to unexpected drop in weight with colorectal cancer being one among them. However, such symptoms necessitate a checkup with your doctor.
Dr. Fritz emphasizes on how early detection of colorectal cancer improves the chances for a more promising prognosis.
Accidental weight loss is characterized by shedding over 5 percent of your body mass in a span as short as six months to maximum one year, as per Molecular and Clinical Oncology's research study from April 2018 (source here). Evidences like having the need to switch clothes sizes along with either family members' or friends' confirmation of your weight loss contribute sufficient proof if keeping track through weighing isn't habituated.
This research was primarily conducted within individuals identified with colon cancer where approximately half exhibited significant amount of weight loss, especially so amongst those diagnosed at much advanced stages.
4. A Family History of Colorectal Cancer Should Be Noted
Engage in a conversation with your family members as it's critical to ascertain whether you have a close family member (like parent or sibling) who was diagnosed for colorectal cancer. Dr. Oberstein emphasizes that knowledge about any abnormal polyps they had, is equally important.
The latter point usually tends to be overlooked due to its uncomfortable nature in general discussions ("Did the findings from your recent colonoscopy suggest anything unusual?" isn't really going to make delightful dinner table talk.)
Should there indeed be a near relative discovered with a background of colorectal cancer (prior to reaching age 60), or significant polyp existence, you may need earlier screening - specifically, 10 years prior their age at diagnosis states Dr.Fritz. As an instance: if your father received his CRC diagnosis at 50 years old, commencement of your own screening should start by when you're around 40.
5. The Presence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There are primarily two kinds of IBD, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
According to Dr. Oberstein, these diseases heighten the chances for colorectal cancer and necessitate earlier screening prior to reaching age 45.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, individuals suffering from IBD – particularly those diagnosed with ulcerative colitis - face an escalated risk rate for colorectal cancer by over 60% when compared against those without these conditions. A study published in December 2021 in the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis corroborates this claim. This elevated risk may result due to constant inflammation from the ailments leading towards GI-cancer development.
Conclusively, Dr. Oberstein emphasizes that all patients dealing with IBD should routinely consult their physicians for advice on commencing appropriate preventive screenings.
Conclusion
While the process of preparing for a colonoscopy might not turn out to be your highlight of the week, keep in mind that early detection is key to making colorectal cancer highly treatable. This is according to Dr. Fritz.
She stresses on having open conversations with your family and physician, and never fear undergoing colonoscopies or other appropriate screening tests.
References
- American Cancer Society: "Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer."
- American Cancer Society: "Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors."
- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians: "Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2020."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "What Should I Know About Screening?" ...[and many more](please refer to source)
If you encounter serious medical symptoms or have an emergency situation, consider seeking immediate medical help via 911 or reference this list by the National Library of Medicine with signs indicating a need for urgent attention: National Library of Medicine's list.
