Colorectal Cancer Being Diagnosed at Earlier Ages Than Ever Before

Even though the possibilities of colorectal cancer increases with age, a new study found that certain ethnicities are being diagnosed with the condition at young age.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, suggests the American Cancer Society. There are more than one million colon cancer survivors in the U.S.

Even though the possibilities of colorectal cancer increases with age, a new study found that certain ethnicities are starting to be diagnosed with the condition at younger ages than ever before.

Diet to Prevent Colon Cancer - Health Tips - Glossary
Diet and lifestyle play an important role in reducing the risk and delaying the onset of cancer. Incorporating and eliminating certain other foods may reduce the risk of acquiring colon cancer.

‘Even though the possibilities of colorectal cancer increases with age, a new study found that certain ethnicities are starting to be diagnosed with the condition at younger ages than ever before.’

Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found on average, African Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders were diagnosed between the ages of 64 and 68 years, while whites were typically diagnosed at age 72 years, according to the study. When diagnosed, minority groups also had more advanced stages of cancer.

Researchers suggested that lower screening rates and lower income levels were two factors leading to the detection rates varying among cultures.

Dr. Sakie Hussain, a medical director of the endoscopy center at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago, is adamant about early detection. With colon cancer being 100% preventable, he truly doesn't see why anyone should ever have to die from the disease.

Strange Link Between Colon Cancer and Rotten Eggs Revealed
Hydrogen sulfide, a pungent gas having a rotten-egg odor, may play a key role in the metabolism of colon cancer, a new study claims.

Dr. Hussain said, "When you have breast cancer, the first cells they find in a biopsy are cancerous, but in a colonoscopy exam, when we find hybrid cells called polyps, it is not cancerous. Once we remove them, you no longer have to worry about anything."

Symptoms can include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, weakness and fatigue or unintended weight loss.

Smoking Increases Colon Cancer Risk in Women
Women who smoke are more prone to develop colon cancer than men who smoke, finds Norwegian study.

Dr. Hussain said, "A colonoscopy is not painful. We watch it very carefully and we don't start the test until we are sure you are sleeping. 90% of our patients wake up and don't realize that the colonoscopy has already been done."

Dr. Hussain recommends regular screenings starting at 50 years old.

Unhealthy Snacking Increases Chances of Colon Cancer in Lynch Syndrome Patients
Unhealthy snacks are devoid of any nutritional values. Researchers have noted that unhealthy snacks can lead to colorectal cancers in genetically susceptible individuals.

Source-Newswise