Rising Colon Cancer Cases Among Young Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

These days, the changing lifestyle of people is making them victims of many problems. Nowadays, serious diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer are catching people at a young age. Colon cancer is one of these serious diseases, which is causing problems for many people nowadays. This is a serious type of cancer, which is rapidly making young people its victims today.

Recently, the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) has released a study regarding this, in which it was told that colon cancer is being seen rapidly in young people aged 31-40 years. Whereas earlier people above the age of 50 were at higher risk of getting colon cancer. In such a situation, today in this article we will know about those lifestyle habits, which are making people victims of colon cancer at an early age.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a disease caused by DNA mutation in colon or rectal cells. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine or bowel, while the rectum is the passage that connects the colon to the anus.

Causes of Colon Cancer

Our diet and lifestyle have a direct impact on our health. Colon cancer is also the result of some of our habits. Poor diet, tobacco, smoking and excess alcohol increase its risk. Hereditary syndrome and family history also increase the chances of developing this disease.

A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. According to the Global Cancer Observatory Report 2020, this disease is the fourth most common cancer in Indians.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is caused by small clusters of cells called polyps. Regular screening helps to identify and remove these polyps. You can identify colon cancer by the following symptoms-

• Bloating
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Change in stool consistency
• Bleeding from the rectum or bleeding during bowel movement

Habits that increase the risk of colon cancer

There can be many factors behind the increasing incidence of colon cancer among the youth these days. This includes family history, high cholesterol etc. According to the National Institute of Health, some of your habits also increase the risk of this disease, which include the following-

• Obesity
• Lack of sleep
• Unbalanced diet
• Use of tobacco
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of physical activity

Prevention of colon cancer

Making some necessary lifestyle changes can prove beneficial to reduce the risk of colon cancer. These changes include the following-

• Consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Doing regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight.