Who Gets Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a serious problem that increases in frequency especially in people over the age of 50 and ranks third among all cancers. Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meltem ERGÜN pointed out that approximately 900 thousand people in the world die every year due to insidious colon cancer and drew attention to a point that will make the problem much more serious. Stating that recent studies have shown that colon cancer cases have increased alarmingly among young adults, Prof. Dr. ERGÜN said, “According to a report published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in March 2024, one in every five new cases of colon cancer is diagnosed in individuals in their early 40s or younger.” She reminded.

Reminding that colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meltem ERGÜN said that approximately 900 thousand people die from this disease in the world. Prof. Dr. ERGÜN stated that the increase in the incidence of colon cancers in people under the age of 40, which is a significant problem for both genders according to statistics, carries the picture to much more serious dimensions and pointed out the points that may cause this increase in young people.

Age at Colon Cancer Incidence

Colorectal cancer, which usually affects people over 50, is increasingly affecting people in their 40s, 30s and even 20s. One in five new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in people in their early 40s or younger. This suggests that colon cancer cases among young people are increasing significantly.

“The American Cancer Society Lowered the Screening Age to 45”

The leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50 years of age has prompted the American Cancer Society to take action in 2018 and lowered the recommended age limit for colorectal screening to 45 in 2018. Regular screening is very important for the early diagnosis or prevention of colorectal cancer because this disease, which was previously seen mostly in people aged 50 and over, is now frequently diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s. Therefore, awareness should start at a much earlier age and necessary precautions should be taken.

What are the Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

2024 yılında Journal of the American Medical Association Dergisinde yayınlanan ve 50 yaş altı yaklaşık 25 milyon kolorektal kanser hastasını kapsayan ve 81 çalışmayı inceleyen bilimsel incelemedeki verileri aktaran uzmanımız “Erken başlangıçlı kalorektal kanserli hastalarda en sık görülen belirtinin dışkıda gizli kan olduğu gösterilmiş. Bunun yanında karın ağrısı, kansızlık ve değişen bağırsak alışkanlıkları da yaygın şikayetler olarak belirlenmiş. Genel olarak ileri yaş gruplarında görülen kolon kanseri belirtileri de benzerdir. Ancak erken yaşlarda bu sorunlar farklı sağlık sorunlarıyla da karıştırılabiliyor. Belki akla gelmiyor. Yemekle ilgili bir duruma ya da yorgunluğa bağlanabiliyor. Bu durum da tanıda gecikmelere yol açtığı için insanların konuyla ilgili farkındalığının artırılması çok önemli.” Diye konuştu. 

Why is Colon Cancer Increasing in Young People?

Pointing out that it is not known exactly why colon cancer cases are on the rise, especially in Generation Z, Generation Y and Generation X, Prof. Dr. ERGÜN continued her words as follows: “Among the reasons for this increase in young people, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, western-style nutrition, excessive sugar consumption and environmental factors are pointed out. Especially high consumption of red meat and processed foods, low fiber intake and excessive alcohol use are among the factors that increase the risk of colon cancer. 

In light of these data, it is vital that young people are aware of colon cancer and understand the importance of early diagnosis. Adopting healthy eating habits, exercising regularly and keeping up with routine health checks are effective steps to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

When Should Colon Cancer Screenings Start?

Underlining that colon cancer progresses insidiously without any symptoms, especially in the early stages, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meltem ERGÜN said, “Especially polyps and small tumors may not be noticed until they reach a certain size in the intestines. For this reason, it is very important for people in the risk group to undergo regular screening tests even if they do not have any complaints. Because colon cancer has a very high chance of cure when caught at an early stage.” She said. 
Reminding that the first-degree relatives of patients with colon cancer should start colonoscopy screening 10 years before the age at which the disease occurs, Prof. Dr. ERGÜN said, “For example, screening should start at the age of 35 (45-10=35) in a person whose father has colon cancer at the age of 45. If no polyp lesions etc. are detected in colonoscopy, there will be no need for a repeat procedure for 10 years.” She said.