Colon Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults: 5 Key Risk Factors You Need to Know

Colon cancer, which was earlier said to occur only in the older population, is now affecting young adults under 50 as well. The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer appears in people under 50 in 10% of cases, with annual incidence rates increasing by 2%. The increasing number of colon cancer cases demands attention to lifestyle factors, which may be responsible for the rise. While colon cancer might be genetic as well, yet various life choices determine the extent of one's cancer risk. Learning about potential risks during an early stage, enables better management to decrease the likelihood of this severe disease. Here are 5 such risks...

The primary risk factor for early colon cancer is being inactive most of the time. The digestive system becomes weakened while cancer protection processes slow down, when people spend extended time sitting without sufficient physical exercise. Physical activity helps people control their weight while lowering inflammation, and supporting digestive health. People who perform at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or cycling per week as physical activity, reduce their chance of developing colon cancer according to scientific studies. Daily physical activity serves as a strong method for young adults to decrease their cancer risk, despite their active schedules.

The type of food we consume determines our chances of developing colon cancer. Scientific studies prove that diet consumption of processed foods, combined with red meats such as sausages, bacon and beef results in higher colon cancer risk. These foods contain specific chemicals which cause damage to colon lining, and trigger cell alterations that lead to disease. Consuming foods with high levels of fruits, vegetables along with whole grains and fiber helps protect the colon through enhanced digestion and decreased inflammation. Young people need to restrict their consumption of processed foods along with red meats, while focusing on increasing plant-based food intake to decrease their cancer risk.

Young people face an increased risk of colon cancer, because obesity represents a risk factor they can control. When people gain excess weight, their bodies experience hormonal changes and persistent inflammation, which create an environment where colon cancer cells thrive. The BMI of colon cancer patients shows higher body mass index values resulting in younger ages of diagnosis, according to research findings. A combination of healthy eating and regular exercise helps people maintain their weight at a healthy level, which in turn, decreases the chances of developing this condition while improving their general well-being.

Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption raise the risk of developing colon cancer. The digestive tract cells suffer DNA and cellular damage from tobacco smoke chemicals, and the immune system and digestive organs experience negative impacts from heavy alcohol consumption. People who are young adults, and engage in smoking or heavy drinking behaviors, face an elevated chance of developing colon cancer when compared to non-users. Two essential protective measures against digestive health deterioration and cancer risk reduction involve reducing or eliminating smoking, along with controlling alcohol consumption.

The risk of colon cancer increases when gut inflammation persists because of long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unhealthy eating along with stress and particular infections, disrupts the gut bacteria balance, while damaging the colon lining thus causing poor gut health. This environment supports the development of cancerous cells over time. Young people should protect themselves from colon cancer by following three essential strategies: maintaining proper gut health through dietary balance, stress management as well as regular medical appointments, and prompt digestive condition treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice