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Younger adults are seeing an “alarming” increase in colon cancer cases, so the Texas Medical Association (TMA) urges people to ask their physician about colorectal screening.
TMA produced a new one-page guide to inform people about the issue that might feel uncomfortable to discuss. But the potential benefits of bringing it up and acting could prevent disease – or even be lifesaving. TMA posted that guide in English and Spanish and one for physicians on the TMA cancer web page.
“We want to raise awareness of signs and symptoms, so patients know when to seek care,” said Andy Chen, MD, a TMA Committee on Cancer member. “We want to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s own risk – knowing one’s own family history and knowing the big contributing factors. Most importantly, we want to promote early detection and early screening.”
Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It often begins as a non-cancerous growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum called a polyp. While most polyps are benign (harmless), they can become cancerous over time.
In the U.S. and Texas, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death overall. It is projected to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people aged 20 to 49 by 2030.
The number of cases in people under age 50 – also known as “early onset colorectal cancer” – have increased by 2% each year since 2011. People are dying from this disease: Colorectal cancer death rates in the U.S. have increased by one percent every year in people under age 50 since 2005. Dr. Chen calls that an “alarming increase in colorectal cancer in young people.”
The radiation oncologist added, “The saddest part about taking care of young cancer patients is seeing the delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment because of their young age.”
The TMA guide notes colonoscopy is the only method of screening that both detects cancer and prevents it, by enabling the physician to remove potentially pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure.
Given increasing colorectal cancer cases in younger adults, physicians urge patients with telltale symptoms to visit their doctor for potential screening.
The patient guide lists common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- Rectal bleeding;
- Blood in the stool (bright red, black, or very dark);
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation);
- Changes in stool shape (e.g., narrower than usual);
- The feeling that the bowel is not completely empty;
- Abdominal cramps or pain; and
- Unexplained weight loss.
The guide also lists preventive measures people can take including avoiding tobacco use, being physically active, limiting alcohol intake, and eating more high-fiber foods and less red meat.
Dr. Chen points out that whether among high-risk patients who are not experiencing any symptoms or patients who have symptoms, early detection can save lives.
“I hope after reading this one-pager people will be encouraged to talk to their physicians about colorectal cancer screening,” Dr. Chen said.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 59,000 physician and medical student members. It is in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
