Think you’re too young for colon cancer? Well, you have to think about it again.
Colon cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects older adults. However, the reality is changing. Around 11 per cent of colorectal cancer cases in Malaysia now involve people below the age of 40, highlighting a worrying trend that more young adults are being diagnosed with the disease.
According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second most common cancer overall in the country. Despite these alarming numbers, many people continue to delay screening because they believe they are too young or assume symptoms will appear before anything serious develops.
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and usually begins as small, non-cancerous growths known as polyps. These polyps can take years to develop into cancer, often without causing any noticeable symptoms.
Because the disease progresses quietly in its early stages, many patients are only diagnosed when the cancer has already advanced, making treatment more challenging. This is why doctors stress the importance of early screening, as polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.
Health experts believe modern lifestyles are contributing to the rise in younger patients. Several factors may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, including:
- Diets high in red and processed meat but low in fibre
- Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress and poor sleeping habits
These lifestyle factors can gradually affect digestive health and increase the likelihood of developing polyps and colorectal cancer over time.
Although colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms initially, several warning signs should never be ignored:
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Narrower-than-normal stools
- Ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
- Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they should always be assessed by a medical professional. One of the biggest misconceptions is that colon cancer screening is only necessary for the elderly.
Medical experts now recommend that individuals at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening from the age of 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other risk factors may need to start even earlier.
Several screening methods are available, including:
- Colonoscopy, which allows doctors to detect and remove polyps during the procedure
- Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
- Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- CT Colonography for selected patients
A healthcare professional can advise which screening option is most suitable based on individual risk factors. While not every case of colorectal cancer can be prevented, adopting healthier habits can significantly reduce the risk.
These include:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limiting processed and red meat
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
One of the biggest dangers of colorectal cancer is that it often remains silent until it reaches an advanced stage. If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are approaching the recommended screening age, speak to your doctor about getting screened.
Early detection remains the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer or identify it when treatment is most successful. A simple health screening today could save your life tomorrow.
Source : Sunwaymedicalvelocity , NST Online
Image Credit : Subang Jaya Medical Centre , Tiq by Etiqa