Colorectal Cancer Rates Increasing in Young People in the United States
A recent study has shown that rates of colorectal cancer are rising among young people in the United States. The study found that cases of colorectal cancer have increased from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019 for individuals under 55 years old. This rise in cases has also led to colorectal cancer becoming the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women.
In response to this concerning trend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends screening for colorectal cancer for adults between the ages of 45 and 75. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers a colonoscopy to be the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening, as it can detect and remove pre-cancerous growths in the colon.
Experts are also urging individuals to be aware of potential symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in the stool, and to consider getting screened earlier if they have a personal or family history of the disease. While the recommended age for screening is 45, those with risk factors may benefit from starting screening earlier.
As rates of colorectal cancer continue to rise in young people, it is important for individuals to be proactive about their health and consider screening options to catch the disease in its early stages. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can work towards reducing the impact of colorectal cancer on younger generations.
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