Colon cancer, once considered a disease of the elderly, is now rapidly affecting young people as well. Previously, this problem typically affected people over 50 years of age, but now cases are being reported in young adults aged 20-40.
This raises the question of why this is happening. What changes are occurring that are leading to an increase in colon cancer cases among young people, and what symptoms can help detect this disease? Let's find out.
Reasons for the increase in colon cancer among young people:
Modern lifestyle - Irregular routines, staying up late, lack of physical activity, and increasing stress levels are major risk factors for colon cancer.
Changes in diet - Consumption of processed foods, fast food, and red meat in large quantities, and a lack of fiber-rich foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) have put a strain on the digestive system.
Obesity and diabetes - The rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young people have increased the risk of colon cancer.
Alcohol and smoking - The use of alcohol and tobacco products in youth is also a contributing factor to colon cancer.
Genetic factors - In some cases, colon cancer can be caused by genetic conditions.
Environmental factors - Exposure to pollution, pesticides, and harmful chemicals is also increasing the risk of colon cancer.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Early detection of colon cancer is crucial for increasing the success rate of treatment. Be aware of these symptoms of colon cancer:
Changes in bowel habits - Persistent constipation or diarrhea, changes in the amount or shape of stool.
Blood in the stool - This is the biggest warning sign. Blood in the stool is an indication of colon cancer.
Abdominal problems - Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, gas, bloating, or a feeling of fullness.
Constipation - A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying even after passing stool.
Unexplained weight loss - Rapid weight loss without any effort. Fatigue and weakness - Anemia can cause persistent fatigue, which may be due to bleeding in the intestines.
What can you do to prevent it?
To reduce the risk of colon cancer, it's essential to improve your lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight are all very helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, regular screenings after the age of 45 are crucial.
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