Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is being diagnosed in younger people more and more across the U.S.
In younger Americans in their 30s and 40s, colon cancer has been increasing about 2% each year. Scientists and health officials don’t know what exactly is behind the increase -- but there are known behaviors that contribute to your risk for colon cancer.
It’s important to change these habits as early in your life as possible to help lower your risk for colorectal cancer.
“It’s very important to understand your risk for colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Matthew Kalady with the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Some of the things you can control, and some of the things you can’t.”
A new survey completed at the OSU cancer center finds that Americans are more likely to know about the factors they can’t control, such as family history, rather than the ones they can control.
According to the study, more than half of Americans -- 51% -- didn’t know that alcohol use is a risk factor for colon cancer. And 38%, more than a third, failed to identify risk factors such as obesity and a Western diet that’s high in red meat and processed foods.
“Those are things that affect colon cancer in general, but, also, there are things that seem to be a a little bit more prevalent in some of the younger populations these days,” Dr. Kalady said.
It’s important to implement a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use, as early as you can in life to lower your colon cancer risk.
For those at an average risk, the recommended age to begin colon cancer screenings is 45 -- which was recently lowered from 50 due to the rise in cases among younger people. For those at an increased risk -- maybe because of family history or inflammatory bowel disease, for example -- should begin screening even earlier. Talk to your doctor directly to determine when you should begin screening.
Watch Frank McGeorge’s full report in the video up above.