Why is colon cancer more common in young people? Five changes in lifestyle that may lower the risk

Colon cancer, sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, is one kind of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. Food digestion and waste elimination are the responsibilities of the colon and rectum in the digestive system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths globally and accounts for around 10% of all cancer cases. It is also the third most common kind of cancer overall.

Usually, it arises from abnormal growths known as polyps, which might eventually become malignant despite their original benign nature. These polyps may develop 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 people affected by colon cancer. Although colon cancer has historically been linked to elderly people, there has been a noticeable rise in cases among younger people.

While there are certain genetic predispositions to colon cancer, external causes are more likely to blame for the notable increase in incidences, according to Dr. Manish Sharma, senior medical oncologist at Action Cancer Hospital, New Delhi, and medical oncologist at Cancer Care Clinic Faridabad. The following factors raise a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer: smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, poor eating habits, obesity, and excessive alcohol use.

The increased prevalence of colon cancer in younger people emphasizes how critical it is to spread knowledge about the disease’s warning signs and symptoms. Even though symptoms including rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, stomach discomfort, and unexplained weight loss are often 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 recommended by Dr. Manish Sharma may lower the risk of colon cancer:

Cut down on your red meat consumption. Consuming a lot of red meat, particularly processed or charred meats, has been linked to colon cancer. 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 may 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.

Eat less sugar: Consuming sugar-filled drinks on a regular basis has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Eating a lot of sugar may lead to obesity and insulin resistance, two characteristics that raise the risk of developing many malignancies. Moreover, sugar metabolism might have a role in the growth of cancerous cells. While a study has been done, according to Dr. Sharma, the findings on 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 fiber: Adding fiber to our diets has many benefits, including reducing constipation, regulating blood sugar spikes, and enhancing intestinal and cardiac health. It may also lessen the likelihood of colon cancer forming. A 2018 analysis of research found that dietary fiber 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast, colon, rectum, liver, and mouth and throat cancers, 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 malignant tumors.