THE DOCTOR IS IN
OP / ED BY DR. ADIL MANZOOR
Traditionally, colon cancer is seen as a disease that mainly affects older individuals. However, there has been a change in the tide, as more young adults are diagnosed with the form of cancer. According to a report released by the American Cancer Society, in March 2023, the rate of new colorectal cases in Americans below the age of 55 years has increased from 11 percent to 20 percent of the total cases.
Also, colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among individuals under 50 years in the United States. This increase seems frightening, and I tell you it is. The reason for this is that the cause is Unknown. Another confusing fact is that although the value rises in young adults, it significantly drops in older adults. So, what’s wrong?
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. This cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the colon or rectum, forming a tumor. It usually begins as small growths called polyps, which can be detected and removed during routine screenings. If left untreated, these polyps can become cancerous over time. The symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, fatigue and weakness, and unexplained weight loss.
One major problem young adults face with this form of cancer is late detection. As earlier said, since being traditionally an illness affecting older adults, colon cancer has most times not been considered by health practitioners in young adults, even when the symptoms appear. This reason is why most cases of this form of cancer diagnosed in young adults are often in its advanced state.
This gives reasons why this form of cancer is a leading cause of death in young adults because most times, by the time it is detected, it is already in its advanced stage with little to nothing that can be done. Also, it explains why the values are dropping in older adults, as it is part of a routine checkup for a person in this age bracket, so it is most times caught early and effectively maintained.
Over the years, as the amounts of young adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer increased, doctors are now very much observant of the symptoms and recommend routine colonoscopies for individuals above the age of 45. This has significantly helped in reducing the number of patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer. The question remains, “What is causing young adults to have colorectal cancer, and why is the trend increasing?”
The primary cause of this trend remains a mystery, but certain risk factors have come to light, and this has been seen to be related to cancer. It is commonly believed that genetics play a significant role when a person, typically between the ages of 18 and 50, is diagnosed with cancer.
Although Lynch Syndrome, a prevalent genetic condition, is linked to colon cancer, experts believe that it is not the sole cause of the recent surge in this disease. The other potential causes include diet, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental chemicals.
Diets that consist mainly of processed meat and fat and lack fruits and vegetables have been linked to colorectal cancer. The trend of eating unhealthy junk foods in America has increased significantly over the past decade. These junk foods are also believed to affect the normal gut microbiome, clearing out the good bacteria and making way for the toxic ones that contribute to causing this cancer. Obesity, which results as a result of poor feeding habits and exercise, also increases the chances of developing cancer.
A sedentary lifestyle is another significant risk factor. Over the years, studies have shown that Americans value more TV time than being active. The laid-back lifestyle of constant “Netflix and Chill” without considerable physical activity has been linked to causing colon cancer. Certain chemicals in food, water, and the environment have also been considered as potential causes, as they can disrupt the body’s metabolism rate and harm the good bacteria in the gut.
Other potential causes include cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol.
These risk factors have all shown to contribute to incidence of this cancer form. They pose a great potential for this trend to increase as they are activities which are part of our daily lives and have become the new normal. This represents a problem that requires immediate control. Healthy diet, reduced alcohol intake, smoking cessation and regular exercise will help improve the quality of life, and significantly bring down the percentage of people diagnosed.
This article was written by Dr. Adil Manzoor, DO, a Board-Certified Internist & Board Certified Pediatrician who works as a Hospitalist and Emergency Room Physician. He is also the current President of Garden State Street Medicine, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide free preventive and acute urgent care services for the homeless. He is also the co-founder of his own unique medical practice, Mobile Medicine NJ & House Call Doctors. He is also currently pursuing an Executive MBA and a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Leadership at Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
References
- https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/with-colorectal-cancer-rates-rising-among-younger-adults-a-yale-cancer-center-expert-explains-there-may-be-more-factors-behind-this-worrisome-trend/
- https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/12/21/colon-cancer-increasing-young-adults/
No mention in causes/symptoms of possible link with neighbours, unless as seemed hinted recently in a Henry James novel I was reading it’s the doctors themselves.