Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Highlights Rising Trend in Younger Diagnoses
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on the increasing trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with colon cancer. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a renowned urologist and robotic surgeon, is sharing his personal experience with the disease to emphasize the importance of awareness and early detection.
Experts now recommend that most people should start screening with colonoscopies by age 45, with some individuals needing to start even earlier. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in the US this year, with rates on the rise in individuals younger than 55.
The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women, making it crucial for people to prioritize screening and early detection. The colon plays a vital role in the digestive system, housing a complex microbiome that impacts overall health.
The preparation for a colonoscopy, known as the “prep,” is a crucial step in the process, involving a bowel-cleaning cocktail. During the colonoscopy procedure, a camera on a flexible tube explores the colon, allowing doctors to biopsy and remove any abnormalities.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults ages 45 to 75 undergo regular colorectal cancer screenings. A new blood-based screening test for colon cancer has shown promise in detecting the disease and could potentially increase screening rates.
Dr. Brahmbhatt stresses the importance of getting checked for abnormal symptoms early to increase the likelihood of living longer with proactive care. By raising awareness and advocating for early detection, we can work towards reducing the impact of colorectal cancer on individuals of all ages.
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