Colorectal cancer also affects young people; see the symptoms

More and more people under 50 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Know how to spot the warning signs

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type in Brazil, behind only skin, breast, and non-melanoma prostate cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), there will be an estimated 45,630 cases of the disease in the country each year between 2023 and 2025.

More and more young people are getting colorectal cancer

Studies conducted in Europe and the United States have highlighted an increase in cases of colorectal cancer among young people, putting experts on alert. A survey conducted by the American Cancer Association shows that, in 2023, cases of colorectal cancer in the United States will reach 153 thousand. Among the numbers, 13% will be people under 50. From 2020 to today, this increase represents 9%.

In Brazil, the scenario is no different. Inca indicates a 35% increase in patients in the same age group between 2011 and 2016: of 5,806 medical records analyzed, 781 people were under 50 years old. Although the entity confirms that there is an increase in the incidence of the disease in young patients, there is still no data that can currently measure the scenario in the country.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer develops in the large intestine (the colon or its final portion, the rectum). The main type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, and in 90% of cases, it arises from polyps in the region. Without identification and treatment, these polyps can change over the years, potentially becoming cancer.

The main form of diagnosis and prevention is through colonoscopy screening. In the procedure, a device with a camera on its tip is inserted into the intestine to take images that reveal the presence of possible changes. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health recommends starting colon and rectal cancer screening in the low-risk adult population over the age of 50.

“After the age of 50, the probability of having polyps increases, reaching between 18% and 36%, which consequently represents an increase in the risk of malignancies resulting from the condition from that stage of life. Therefore, it is the criterion for starting active screening”, explains Dr. Renata D’Alpino, oncologist of the Oncoclínicas Group.

It is recalled that people with a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), as well as a family history of colorectal cancer in one or more first-degree relatives (especially if diagnosed before the age of 45), should pay particular attention and carry out periodic checks before the basic age indicated for the general population.

Symptoms and stages of the disease

According to oncologist Dr. Artur Ferreira, the characteristic symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer are as follows:

• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Narrowing of the caliber of the stool;
• Absence of feeling of relief after evacuation, as if not all the fecal contents had been eliminated;
• Blood in stool;
• Cramps;
• Weight loss for no apparent reason;
• Weakness and feeling tired

If the diagnosis is positive, the specialist will evaluate the stage of the tumor through tests and classify it, indicating whether or not there is involvement of other organs.

I – tumor confined to the more superficial parts of the intestine, such as the mucosa, submucosa, or muscular layer of the colon or rectum, and without involvement of regional lymph nodes (ganglia);

II – tumor confined to the serosa lining the colon or rectum or affecting nearby organs, but without involvement of regional lymph nodes;

III – tumor that affects the lymph nodes near the colon or rectum, regardless of its local extension;

IV – tumor that affects distant organs (metastasis).

Early diagnosis

Fortunately, colorectal cancer has a high chance of being cured in the vast majority of cases. However, it is very important that the diagnosis is made as early as possible through routine tests, as this increases the success of the treatment.

The oncologist says there are many taboos surrounding preventive screening for colorectal cancer, which contributes to reduced adherence to early disease control, even among people who belong to the highest risk group.

“The tumor is often discovered only late, in the face of more serious symptoms, such as anemia, constipation or diarrhea without apparent cause, weakness, gas and abdominal cramps, and weight loss,” she warns.

“Although the presence of blood in the stool is an initial indication that something is not right in one’s health, many people tend to attribute this event to other conventional causes, such as hemorrhoids, and end up putting off seeking medical advice and carrying out specific tests. Many people discover cancer only in advanced stages,” adds the specialist.

Prevention

Therefore, primary and secondary prevention of the disease must have broad encouragement and encouragement. The main one refers to changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, such as investing in foods with more fiber and dairy products and avoiding red and processed meats. These lifestyle changes also consist of fighting obesity, practicing regular physical activity and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.

Secondary prevention is based on tests that evaluate the presence of occult blood in the stool and on imaging, with particular attention to colonoscopy, the main tool for identifying colorectal cancer. Although it is simple, performing a colonoscopy is still a taboo to overcome, as is ignoring the symptoms for fear of asking for help.

“This procedure can identify more serious and silent problems, such as cancer, in addition to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Therefore, it is essential to convey quality information to society with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of colonoscopy and, above all, to warn that the exam can save lives”, adds the specialist.

Treatment

The doctor explains that there are two ways to treat the neoplasm:

Local treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, embolization and ablation): act directly on the primary tumor or on isolated metastases, without affecting the rest of the body. Therefore, they can be indicated both in the initial cases and in the more advanced stages of the disease.

Systemic treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies): can be done using oral (tablets) or intravenous (into a vein) medications, applied directly into the bloodstream. They are used in both early and advanced cases of the disease.

Renata D’Alpino reiterates that healthy lifestyle habits are protective factors that help reduce the risk of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to invest in a diet rich in fiber and practice regular physical activity. This treatment can not only help prevent colorectal cancer, but also fight the growth of cancer cases as a whole.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.