Colorectal cancer awareness important amid ‘pandemic’

Cases high in young adults

CLEVELAND, March 28: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month but this year it has fallen out of focus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While all attention is naturally on the pandemic, the once-unimaginable realization that non-critical medical care might not always be readily available highlights the importance of preventative care.

“Due to the pandemic, this March is not the ideal time to book a nonurgent screening procedure. However, it is always time to be aware of how best to protect yourself from colorectal cancer to prevent the need for future urgent care, and also to be aware of the symptoms so that you can book a screening at a suitable time,” says Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon Matthew Kalady, MD.

Dr Kalady points to a disturbing trend in recent years of more young adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer than ever before. “No definitive data explain the increase in the younger population, but rising obesity rates and dietary trends may be factors,” he says.

“We also know certain diets and environments may increase the risk for colorectal cancer in older adults. This may play a role in younger people too, as our diets are constantly changing and evolving from generation to generation.” According to Dr Kalady, when it comes to colorectal cancer, there are warning signs, regardless of age, that should never be ignored. “We see a number of young patients who may have initially ignored symptoms or were told they were too young to have colorectal cancer,” Dr Kalady says. “Many of the advanced cases of colorectal cancer we see are in young people who were misdiagnosed or had a delayed evaluation.”

Not everyone with colorectal cancer has the same symptoms, but any sort of bowel changes accompanied by rectal bleeding should prompt a visit to your

Dr Kalady

doctor as soon as this becomes feasible. Other symptoms include blood mixed in with bowel movements, and belly pain or other symptoms that may be due to a blockage. “Don’t assume you have hemorrhoids if you see blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet,” he says. “There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ bleeding.”

“Even if you’re in your twenties, you need to have it looked at,” he said. “It might be that you have something minor, but you should have that looked at by a professional. It’s important to make sure you get screened and evaluated the right way, as soon as this is an option, because if it’s something worrisome, it can be caught early and still be treated.” The primary screening tool for colorectal cancer is the colonoscopy, and while the recommendations vary by country, they typically call for screening to begin at age 50, for the average person with no symptoms.But those who are at higher risk, or who have bowel symptoms, should have the procedure done sooner. Dr Kalady says some people are fearful of the colonoscopy procedure or the prep that comes with it, but the preps have improved in recent years and some of the solutions are lower volumes and are easier to tolerate. In addition, alternative screening methods – such as stool tests that can help detect cancer – are being used in some cases.

In terms of preventative measures that patients can take themselves, Dr Kalady recommends a diet including fresh fruits and vegetables and other high-fiber foods, as well as regular exercise, to help keep your colon healthy.

Experts still have much to learn about how lifestyle affects colorectal risk, says Dr Kalady. He advises young adults to reduce their consumption of red meats and overly processed foods. Smoking should also be avoided.

“Colorectalcancer can happen at any age,” said Dr. Kalady. “Don’t ignore symptoms. Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, forties, fifties – any age. If you have an issue, get it evaluated when you can. It can happen to anybody.”

(Source: Cleveland Clinic)