New study reveals warning signs of colon cancer in young people
The incidence of colon cancer is increasing globally, especially among younger individuals, who present with different symptoms and often suffer more aggressive forms of the disease.
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- Research found that patients under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage
- Symptoms such as rectal bleeding and abdominal pain were more common in younger people
- Study highlights steady rise in incidence of early-onset colon cancer
Colon cancer cases are increasing globally and its prevalence is higher among young people. Young people diagnosed with colon cancer show different symptoms than those who have already been diagnosed with the disease, researchers have revealed.
The research found that patients under the age of 50 are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, often after the cancer has spread, possibly because they ignore early health warning signs.
In the study led by researchers at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain were more common in younger people than those over the age of 50 who had the disease. Are undergoing treatment.
The analysis showed a steady increase in the incidence of early-stage colorectal cancer, with colon cancer increasing by 3.2% and rectal cancer increasing by 3.3%.
Younger patients with colorectal cancer often had more aggressive forms of the disease, such as signet-ring cell and mucinous adenocarcinoma, and were more likely to be diagnosed in advanced stages (III and IV).
Even though the results of surgery were similar, the 5-year survival rate for early stage IV colorectal cancer was lower than that for late-onset disease.
“This study highlights the steady increase in the incidence of early-onset colon cancer, with patients presenting with more aggressive disease and experiencing shorter survival,” the authors wrote.
According to another research, the most common symptoms of colon cancer identified in early-onset colon cancer patients are bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. There were changes.
Colon cancer rates increased 500% among 10 to 14 year olds, 333% among 15 to 19 year old teens, and 185% among 20 to 24 year old young adults.
The study suggested that an inactive lifestyle, certain bacteria associated with tumor development, antibiotic use, and dietary additives may be potential risk factors for colon cancer, although these factors were not conclusively proven as direct causes. Has gone.
