Colon Cancer Rates Rise in Young Adults | Nu Image Medical®

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 3 years ago · 6 min read

Colorectal cancer is generally thought of as something older adults get. However, the number of young adults getting colon cancer has gone up in recent years, while there have been fewer older adults being diagnosed with it. In other words, those born before the 1950s have been seeing fewer cases of colon cancer. While this is good news for the elderly, people born after the 1950s have seen a sharp incline in cases. If you are a young adult, read on to learn more about colon cancer rates, what causes it, and how some of the treatments at Nu Image Medical could lower your chances of this disease. 

Rising Rates

Recently, the American Cancer Society performed a study that looked at who was getting colon cancer by age groups. They looked at hundreds of thousands of people who were diagnosed with colon cancer as young as 20 years old. When the researchers gathered their data, they had a variety of individuals born between 1890 and 1990. 

In the end, they discovered that the number of people in their 20s and 30s getting colon cancer had increased one to two percent each year. Meanwhile, the number of people in their 40s and 50s with colon cancer has raised less than one percent each year. The increasing incidence rate in young adults has concerned researchers because this can indicate trends in future generations. For instance, the kids of those diagnosed with colon cancer might face the same levels of colon cancer people born in the late 19th century saw. 

Because people can take preventative measures by eating right and staying active, people must be educated about these rising rates. Colon cancer isn't just for those over 55 anymore. So go ahead and embrace those Sermorelin results as a way to prevent cancer while you can. 

Ethnic Tendencies

This study also found that there were different tendencies among ethnic groups. Some of these groups saw higher or lower rates due to their trends for embracing risk factors, such as smoking or having excess body weight. Asians and Pacific islanders saw the lowest rates of colorectal cancer. Whites and Blacks saw only slightly higher rates. However, Alaska Natives saw the highest rates of colorectal cancer. 

Death rates saw the same trend. Alaska Natives and Native Americans were the only groups who did not have declining death rates. 

Screening Rates

While everyone likes to think they are up to date on their cancer screenings, they aren't. Only slightly over half of the people over 55 are up to date on their screenings. Less than half of those under 55 have been screened. Screening rates are also low among those who are uninsured. 

Combining regular screening with a healthy lifestyle could save many lives, especially among the younger populations. For the average individual, you should start getting screened regularly at 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you will want to start getting screened sooner. Don't worry; there are several different tests that can be used. Talk to your doctor to find the right test for you and get started with your colon cancer screenings today. 

Diagnosing Patients

As with most diseases, the sooner you are diagnosed with colon cancer, the better your chances are. With a colonoscopy, you can have any abnormalities in your colon detected and removed early. You may also have any polyps, or small non-cancerous growths, removed. 

Young Adults and Screenings

Recently, the American Cancer Society lowered the age they recommend starting screenings to 45. This is too late for someone who contracts colon cancer in their 30s. Even if you are younger than 45, you should see a doctor if you notice persistent symptoms. Specifically, patients should start screening ten years before the earliest onset in their family. If your mother was diagnosed at 45, you need to begin screenings at 35. This is especially true if you haven't experienced the Sermorelin results and have excess weight. 

Even when you are young, colorectal cancer can still form on the inner lining of your intestines. This will usually begin as small polyps. Symptoms may start mild and get worse over time. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Generally, younger people will attribute these symptoms to something much less severe. For instance, they might think it is hemorrhoids, IBS, or their Sermorelin results. Even if you are younger than 45, you need to speak to a doctor if you experience these symptoms.  

Colon cancer is a serious concern for people of any age. Even if you are still a young adult, you need to take precautions against this disease. Losing weight, even if it is with the assistance of the professionals at Nu Image Medical, can significantly reduce your risk factor. So go ahead and embrace those Sermorelin results, get healthy, and lower your chance of colon cancer. 

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.