Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Risks and Prevention for Young
School
Southern New Hampshire University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
PHE 505
Subject
Nursing
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
3
Uploaded by JudgeKoalaPerson344
Background InformationColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in both men and women with an increased incidence rate in adults younger than 50 years of age. While much research has been conducted, the cause of this phenomenon is still unanswered. Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine which is part of the rectum. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, abdominal pain, low iron levels, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss but some individuals don’t have symptoms until the later stages of the disease. The risk with colorectal cancer increases with age but evidence shows prevalence in adults younger than 50. Colorectal cancer is reportedthe be the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States both in men and women under the age of 50. Nearly 18,000 people under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year in the United States, said Rebecca Siegel, M.P.H., of the American Cancer Society. But the disease is still relatively rare, affecting far less than 1% of younger adults(Health, 2020). Since the 1990’s, the number of individuals younger than 50 diagnosedwith colorectal cancer has been rising. This includes the mortality rate dying from the disease. What’s questionable is the rate of colorectal cancer in adults older than 50 years old has decreased. This is mostly associated with these individuals following preventive measures and having the colonoscopy done as required, and lower rates of smokers. In September, more than 400 leading scientists from academia, industry, and government, along with patient advocates, gathered online to exchange ideas and information about colorectal cancer in younger adults. Thegoal of the think tank, organized by NCI and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), was to identify research priorities that address important questions about the disease(Health, 2020). During this discussion, several aspects of early onset of colorectal cancer were discussed. These included early prevention by addressing early signs and following
medical preventive measures such as doing the colonoscopy by the recommended age of 45. Thistopic merged as top priority in identifying risk factors in younger adults. The incidence and impact of colorectal cancer can be significantly reduced by implementing primary prevention strategies such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risk factors, and practicing early detection through screening(Colorectal cancer, 2023).With that being said, there are environmental factors and disparities that affect a specific population. Its evident from research that when identifying modifiable risk factors, you are reducing the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50. Various lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include consuming large amounts of processed meats, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, leading a sedentary lifestyle, being obese, smoking, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Lifestyle factors aren’t the only factors to address. Geographical location, ethnicity, age and family history also play a factor. In 2020, more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer and more than 930 000 deaths due to colorectal cancer were estimated to have occurred worldwide. Large geographical variations in incidence and mortality rates were observed. The incidence rates were highest in Europe and Australia and New Zealand, and the mortality rates were highest in EasternEurope. By 2040 the burden of colorectal cancer will increase to 3.2 million new cases per year (an increase of 63%) and 1.6 million deaths per year (an increase of 73%)(Colorectal cancer, 2023). Colorectal cancer incidence is higher in Black Americans, followed by Indians, White Americans, Hispanics and Asians males. Epidemiological studies link several factors that put a person at risk for CRC. About 65% of the risk comes from environmental factors, whereas 35% of the risk comes from genetic factors [16]. Environmental factors include those contributions that indirectly or directly influence the colonic epithelium, such as
downstream effects of ingesting a diet rich in red meat, high fat or high calories, acquisition of obesity and excess body mass index, ingesting a low fiber diet, use of tobacco products, and possessing low serum levels for calcium or vitamin D(Carethers, 2022).ReferencesCarethers, J. M. (2022, May 4). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9069392/Colorectal cancer. (2023, July 11). Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancerHealth, N. I. (2020, November 5). Why Is Colorectal Cancer Rising Rapidly among Young Adults?Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults#:~:text=Nearly%2018%2C000%20people%20under%20the%20age%20of%2050,affecting%20far%20less%20than%201%25%20of%20younger%20adults.