Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 05:00 PM

Colon cancer is one of the most common types Cancerous diseases In contrast, the rate of colon cancer is low among the elderly, and there is a steady increase in the incidence of this cancer among the 20- to 49-year-old population..

According to the website Health mattersThere is much we do not know about the cause of this increase and what triggers these conditions in an individual. For this reason, recommendations about when to screen for colon cancer are based on risk factors for colon cancer. These factors “include family. History and lifestyle factors, age and people with underlying conditions.” For example, people with a family history are two to four times more likely to develop the disease.“.

Colon cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45. We recommend screening a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has had early-stage colon cancer. It will be 10 years younger. When their relative is diagnosed with cancer or at age 40, whichever comes first. For example, if your relative was diagnosed at age 35, you should be screened at age 25.

We want to identify people with genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis, caused by changes in the genes a person inherits from their parents and underlying conditions that put people at risk. In Crohn’s disease, there are parts of the digestive tract and deep ulcers called ulcers, which lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding.

People with these genetic syndromes and underlying conditions should be screened before age 45

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Changes in bowel habits such as blood in the stool, frequent bowel movements or a feeling that the bowels have not emptied completely, decreased energy and pain in the stomach or rectum are more common..

Many people may be uncomfortable talking about bowel movements and scared when thinking about cancer. But it’s important to be as open as possible, especially with healthcare providers, about anything unusual, so they can help develop a plan. Participate in shared decision making about next steps.

Sometimes this plan includes further testing and evaluation, including, in some cases, a colonoscopy, which is a screening method for colon cancer..