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An Overview of Colorectal Cancer and Its Effects on Young Adults
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and usually starts as benign polyps that turn cancerous over time. While this condition was a rare occurrence in young adults, incidence rates have been continuously rising since the 1990s.
Rising Cases Among Youths
More young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer nowadays compared to before. This spike in cases is also due to diet changes, inactive lifestyles, and obesity.
Common Symptoms in Young Adults
Young adults with colorectal cancer may notice symptoms like bloody stools, long-term constipation or diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are usually misattributed to less severe conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or haemorrhoids, delaying diagnosis.
Causes of Colorectal Cancer Occurring in Young Adults
Early-onset colorectal cancer causes are complex and multifactorial. Although genetics play a part in certain cases, lifestyle habits and environmental exposures are big contributors to this condition.
Diet and Nutrition
Diets rich in red meat, processed foods, and low in fibre have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Processed meats are specifically connected to carcinogenic compounds.
Obesity and Inactivity
Obesity elevates the resistance to inflammation and insulin, both of which may boost cancer development. An inactive lifestyle worsens these risks.
Genetic Mutations
Certain young adults inherit genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which elevate the risk of colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause chronic inflammation in the colon, elevating cancer risk as time passes.
Smoking and Alcohol
Heavy smoking and an overconsumption of alcohol have also been connected to early-onset colorectal cancer.
Gut Microbiome Imbalance
An unhealthy gut microbiome fueled by diet and antibiotics may boost inflammation and cellular alterations that cause cancer.
Chronic Health Risks for Young Adults with Colorectal Cancer
Diagnosing colorectal cancer in young adults reveals unique difficulties in the long run. Patients may experience physical and emotional consequences beyond treatment.
Increased Risk of Recurrence
Colorectal cancer survivors, especially those diagnosed at a young age, are at a more elevated risk for recurrence and require frequent follow-ups.
Chronic Fatigue
Treatment can cause constant fatigue, which affects work, education, and social life.
Bowel Dysfunction
Surgical and radiation treatments may lead to lasting bowel issues like constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Chemotherapy can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.
Extended Mortality Risk
Late-stage diagnoses and complications can elevate the risk of mortality. However, initial detection notably improves prognosis.
Lifestyle Changes
Keeping a healthy lifestyle after treatment is important for decreasing the risk of recurrence and managing chronic symptoms.
Treatment Options for Young Adults with Colorectal Cancer
The treatment options for young adults with colorectal cancer are similar to the older crowd but may be more intensive depending on the disease’s stage and personal health factors.
Surgery
Surgical resection of the tumour and nearby lymph nodes is usually the initial line of treatment. A colostomy may be required in certain cases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to decrease the size of the tumour or kill residual cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
This is frequently used for rectal cancer to shrink tumours before surgery or decrease the risk of recurrence after surgery.
Immunotherapy
Apparent treatments include immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically in tumours with specific genetic markers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is colorectal cancer becoming more prevalent in young adults?
- What is the best age to start screening if I have a family history of colorectal cancer?
- Can lifestyle adjustments decrease my risk of colorectal cancer?
- What are the survival rates like for young adults with colorectal cancer?
- Is there a lower likelihood of young adults getting screened for colorectal cancer?
Although the exact cause is unclear, it is believed that the increase in obesity, poor diet, inactivity, and environmental factors are contributory.
You may need to start screening at 40 years old or younger if you have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer; it depends on your doctor’s advice.
Yes. Consuming a fibre-rich diet, exercising frequently, not smoking, and controlling your alcohol intake can decrease your risk.
Survival rates for young adults with colorectal cancer are high when detected early. However, it may be the opposite for young adults who were diagnosed at late stages. This emphasizes the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and screening.
Indeed, young adults frequently put off getting medical help because they think they are too young, which could result in a later diagnosis.
Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
The increasing number of colorectal cancer cases in young adults is a worrying trend that demands awareness. Although age was once considered a protective factor, more young adults are now facing the reality of a cancer diagnosis. Knowing the initial signs and symptoms, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and prioritising frequent screening are important steps in reducing risk.
Do not wait—schedule your appointment today and begin your journey toward better health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. You may also book an appointment via our website or download our My Health 360 application, which can be obtained from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
