Is this deadly illness in your body without knowing?
Imagine that you feel absolutely healthy, walk on your daily routine, just to find out – they will get late – that a quiet, deadly disease inside you grows for years. For many young adults, this frightening scenario becomes a reality.
Although colon cancer is considered as a condition that mostly affects older individuals, the younger generation is now affected at an alarming pace. What is even more concerning? Most people have no idea that they are at risk until it is too late.
Research shows an increase in colon cancer cases in young adults, and experts now throw light on how people can protect themselves from this quiet murderer.
Young people are not afraid of their health in the same way as older individuals. Of course, many genes and millennia prefer their physical and mental well-being. However, they are young, while the risk of changing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain and cancer increases with age. However, research shows that the Z and Millennials are not as safe as it was once. The number of cases of colon cancer has doubled in the United States since the 90s of the 20th century – especially among those aged 20 to 49 years.
Increase in cases of colon cancer among young adults: What do experts say and how to reduce their risk
Recent research suggests a disturbing increase in colon cancer cases in young adults, which has made experts share knowledge about the strategies of prevention of this deadly disease.
In danger of young adults
Health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, nd cancer are usually associated with aging, leading many young adults to feel relatively safe from serious diseases. While the Z and Millennials gene prefer their well-being, they do not have to realize that certain life-threatening conditions affect their age group at an alarming degree. Since the 90s, cases of colon cancer in the US have doubled, especially in individuals aged 20 to 49 years.
Silent threat
The colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal, intestines, or rectal cancer, has obtained the nickname “Silent Killer” due to a lack of early symptoms. At a time when warning signals appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
Increasing cases of colon cancer in young people
According to the Coalition for Colorectal Cancer (CCC), colorectal cancer is shifting as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There are 30% diagnosed cases in individuals under 55 years of age, making it the main cause of cancer death in men and the second main cause in women under 50 years of age.
CCC also states that people born after 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectum cancer compared to those born in 1950. Expectations of approximately 18,000 new cases are expected in individuals under 50.
Why are cases increasing?
A European study published in oncology anals examined factors contributing to an increase in colon cancer in younger adults. Research, led by Dr. Carlo La Vecchia, a professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at Milan University of Milan, identified several key risk factors.
“Obesity, high blood sugar, diabetes and reduced physical activity contribute to the increasing level of intestinal cancer in young individuals,” La Vecchia said in a press release. He also pointed to higher alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.
The role of family history
The largest risk factor for a person for colon cancer is their family history. Individuals with close relatives who had the disease are two to three times more likely to develop it themselves. For this reason, doctors recommend earlier screenings for those who have a family history, especially if the affected person has been diagnosed at a young age.
Survival and late diagnosis
According to CCC, the five-year survival rate in colon cancer is detected in the stages of 1 and 2 90%. However, this rate falls to 71% for phase 3 and only 14% for phase 4. Unfortunately, many young patients are diagnosed in later stages because they do not support routine screening, which usually recommends starting from 45 years.
In addition, due to lack of early symptoms, individuals who experience warning signals can withstand the months of incorrect diagnoses and delayed treatment. It is important to realize that colon cancer often takes years for early detection to occur.
Symptoms need to be monitored.
The symptoms of colon cancer differ depending on the location of the tumor and other factors. However, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience:
Take over your health
Rectal bleeding, blood in stool or blood on the toilet after the bowel movement
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Permanent fatigue or low energy
An inexplicable weight loss
I feel too early after a meal
Unusual stool changes such as dark colored or stools
Dr. Vikram Reddy, a colorectal surgeon, advises patients to take their symptoms seriously. “If you notice changes in intestinal habits or persistent bleeding – even if you assume it is a hemorrhoid – get a colonoscopy,” Dr. Reddy at Yale Medicine. If your doctor rejects your concerns, seek a second opinion.
Prevention strategy
For those who do not have a family history, routine colon cancer screening usually starts at the age of 45. Some screening tests can even be performed at home. Other ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer include:
End of smoking
Reducing the consumption of processed and red meat
Keeping a healthy weight
Practice
Eat a diet rich in fiber
Drive your body with the right food
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer is to confuse ultra-processed foods for alternatives rich in fibers.
“When it comes to colon cancer prevention, it is not just about avoiding harmful foods-it is also an increase in food intake that actively supports intestines,” said Tim Spector, British epidemiologist and co-founder of the Zoe, in an interview with Newsweek.
“Fiber plays a critical role beyond mere digestion – it regulates intestinal movements and reduces the harmful substances to remain in contact with the colon,” Spector explained. “Think of the fiber as a natural crew of cleaning your colon and help minimize the risk of toxic accumulation.”
The last thoughts
Since the measure of colon cancer grows between the younger population, it is necessary to remain informed, to recognize the symptoms early, and to prefer regular screenings.
Individuals can take meaningful steps to reduce their risk of this quiet but deadly disease by the proactive choice of lifestyle and defending personal health.
Conclusion
Increasing cases of colon cancer in young adults emphasize the need for increased awareness, timely detection and proactive health measures. Because this disease is often asymptomatic until later stages, regular screening and paying attention to potential warning signs are essential.
Understanding risk factors – such as obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity and family history – can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk.
When choosing a healthier lifestyle selection, advancing early projections and searching for medical councils, when symptoms occur, young adults can take control of their health and potentially prevent life-threatening. The colon cancer may be a quiet killer, but may not be with the right knowledge and behavior.