Photos Harbin Clinic
How Common is it Really?
According to the American Cancer Society, the number of young people being diagnosed every year continues to increase. The rate of people younger than 50 receiving diagnoses has increased by 2.4% annually. Now the suggested age for screening is 45 years of age.
Today, the American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2025 are:
- About 107,320 new cases of colon cancer (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women)
- About 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women)
The reality is, at age 45, many people feel “healthy,” and colorectal cancer often goes undetected as there are few early warning signs. Despite your activity level and diet, if you are 45 or older, it is time to begin screening for colorectal cancer.
How Common is it Really?
According to the American Cancer Society, the number of young people being diagnosed every year continues to increase. The rate of people younger than 50 receiving diagnoses has increased by 2.4% annually. Now the suggested age for screening is 45 years of age.
Today, the American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2025 are:
- About 107,320 new cases of colon cancer (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women)
- About 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women)
The reality is, at age 45, many people feel “healthy,” and colorectal cancer often goes undetected as there are few early warning signs. Despite your activity level and diet, if you are 45 or older, it is time to begin screening for colorectal cancer.
Proud of Your Healthy Lifestyle? Still Get Screened.
Local Harbin Clinic Gastroenterologist, Dr. Whitney Jennings, reiterates that lifestyle alone is not a great predictor of risk. Dr. Jennings said, “Unfortunately, there is a real trend of developing colon cancer or advanced colon polyps at ages younger than historically seen. Even patients that are otherwise healthy are not immune.
Our guidelines have been updated to reflect this new norm, recommending colon cancer screening starting at age 45 for all average risk patients. Patients with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps will need to start screening sooner.”
Beyond Screening
In addition to being aware of risks and scheduling regular preventative screenings, here are a few tips for maintaining and improving colon health:
- Chew food thoroughly to aid enzymes in the digestive system to better break down food.
- Eating fewer fried foods, red meat and other high-fat foods may lower chances of developing colon cancer.
- Increase intake of probiotics which are found in foods such as yogurt and pickles.
- Increase daily fiber and whole-grain intake for optimum colon health.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Hydration is key to a healthy colon. Make sure the drink water!
This month, talk with your primary care physician to discuss when you should be screened.
For more information, visit Harbin Clinic Gastroenterology at https://harbinclinic.com/gastroenterology.
