One kind of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is called colon cancer, often known as colorectal cancer. The digestive system’s colon and rectum are in charge of breaking down food and getting rid of waste. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that it accounts for around 10% of all cancer cases worldwide and is the third most frequent cancer overall as well as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Usually, it arises from abnormal growths known as polyps, which might eventually turn malignant despite their original benign nature. These polyps may grow along the colon’s or rectum’s inner lining. If untreated, they may infiltrate surrounding tissues and metastasize, a term used to describe the spread of these polyps to other areas of the body.
In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of young persons affected by colon cancer. Although colon cancer has historically been linked to elderly people, there has been a noticeable rise in cases among younger folks.
Reasons of the increase in situations of colon cancer
While there are certain genetic predispositions to colon cancer, external causes are most likely to blame for the notable increase in cases, according to Dr. Manish Sharma, Sr., a medical oncologist at Cancer Care Clinic Faridabad and Action Cancer Hospital in New Delhi. The following factors raise a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer: smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, poor eating habits, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
The increased prevalence of colon cancer in younger persons emphasises how critical it is to spread knowledge about the disease’s warning signs and symptoms. Even while symptoms including rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, stomach discomfort, and unexplained weight loss are frequently linked to colon cancer, in younger people, they may be disregarded or mistaken for other conditions. Proactive screening and increased awareness are necessary for early diagnosis and treatment.
A few lifestyle changes can lower the risk of colon cancer:
- Limit the amount of red meat you eat
Heavy red meat intake has been connected to colon cancer, particularly when it comes to processed or charred meats. Cooking raises the risk of cancer-causing chemicals being produced due to the high fat and protein intake. There may also be a connection between the processing or cooking methods like grilling or smoking used on red meat. They can release carcinogens associated with cancer when cooked at such high temperatures. Change to plant-based protein instead, and lean protein meals like chicken and fish are also excellent sources of protein.
- Consume less sugar
Regular use of sugar-filled drinks has been associated with an increased risk of colon and breast cancers, among other malignancies. Eating a lot of sugar can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, two characteristics that raise the risk of getting many malignancies. Moreover, sugar metabolism might have a role in the growth of cancerous cells. While study has been done, according to Dr. Sharma, the findings regarding whether artificial sweeteners increase the risk of cancer are contradictory. He advises using artificial sweeteners sparingly in the same way that he advises ingesting sugar in moderation.
- Consume a lot of fibre
Including fibre in our diet has several benefits, including reducing constipation, regulating blood sugar spikes, and enhancing intestinal and cardiac health. It can also lessen the likelihood of colon cancer forming. A 2018 analysis of research found that dietary fibre has multiple significant functions in the prevention of colon cancer. Among these functions are those of encouraging more regular bowel motions and reducing the amount of carcinogens produced during digestion.
- Reduce your alcohol intake
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking alcohol increases the chance of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, rectum, liver, and breast, among other cancer types. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is a connection between a higher risk of colon cancer and even moderate drinking. This is due to the fact that alcohol is converted by the body into the chemical acetaldehyde, which damages cell DNA and may initiate unchecked cell division, the process that gives rise to cancerous tumours.
Conclusion
“The rising incidence of colon cancer among younger people is a multifaceted issue that demands attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public”. We can endeavour to halt this worrying trend and lessen the impact of colon cancer on future generations by addressing lifestyle factors, raising awareness, and extending access to screening and preventative treatments.
