With the recent passing of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman due to colorectal cancer, this disease is having a huge impact on young people. More young people are dying from this disease than older people. A March report by the American Cancer Society states that cases amongst people under the age of 50 have been increasing since the 1990s. African-Americans are amongst the ethnic groups who are the most likely to die from it. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of this disease, go to the doctor and get yourself checked.
Could Obesity be a Factor?
Researchers say that it is unknown why it is such a high rise of colorectal cancer diagnoses within young adults. One of the factors could be the obesity rate rising. Rebecca Siegel, study co-author and scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, says your diet does have a large influence on the condition.
“The obesity epidemic is probably contributing, but it doesn’t seem to be the sole cause,” she said. “Diet has a large influence on colorectal cancer risk and there is a lot of research going on looking at how different things we consume, including drugs such as antibiotics, influence gut health, specifically their role in determining the microorganisms that make up our microbiome.
Ways you can lower your Risk
Fortunately, there are various ways you can lower your risk of this disease. Here are some healthy practices you can implement into your life right now:
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Eliminate red meat out of your diet.
- Maintain a consistent workout routine.
- Be aware of your family’s health history.
- Manage your stress.
Overly consuming of alcohol and eating too much red meat can raise your risk of colorectal cancer.
The Importance of Following up with Young Patients
It’s still unknown why there is such a high spike in colorectal cases among young adults. However, now more than ever, it is important for doctors to follow up with colorectal cancer patients younger than 50.
New analysis for this year projected 147,950 newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer in the US this year, with about over 17,000 of those cases being people under the age of 50. This analysis may possibly build more consensus for screening before age 50. For more information on colorectal cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org.
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