Never Too Young Campaign Addresses Rise in Young Colon Cancer Diagnoses

I have to admit…I rarely think about the possibility of being diagnosed colon cancer. I can rattle off the risk factors, and I know that I should be screened at the age of 50. I mentally mark myself off of the “at risk” list because I do not have a family history of colon cancer. But maybe I’m assuming a little too much because new statistics show that more and more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the world. The average age of a colon cancer diagnosis is aged 68 for men and aged 72 for women. Baseline colonoscopies are generally recommended at age 50 for men and women who are not considered high risk. However, there is a rise in young-onset colon cancer—that is, a colon cancer diagnosis under the age of 50.

Although the rate of diagnosis for individuals under 50 is actually decreasing in the United States, the rate is increasing in other areas of the world. Young-onset colon cancer is often more challenging to diagnose because it is uncommon and young people are not regularly screened for colon cancer. Therefore, the cancer often goes undiscovered and may be diagnosed at a later and more dangerous stage of development.

To spread awareness on a global scale, the Colon Cancer Alliance has partnered with the Bowel Cancer UK and the Colon Cancer Prevention Project to initiate the international Never Too Young awareness campaign. This project includes current research, interviews with world-renowned names in health care and survivor stories from brave, young people who share their experience with colon cancer.

Because colon cancer is affecting more young people, the Never Too Young campaign is encouraging everyone, no matter how old or young, to take responsibility for their health. How can you take control of your health? Genetics are only one component. We can all make conscious choices that can ultimately affect our wellness and susceptibility to disease. Many risk factors for colon cancer are linked more to choices that we make, so doing the opposite should help safeguard us against colon cancer:

• High fat diet- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber. Avoid deep-fried foods, processed foods and foods that are high in cholesterol.
• Sedentary lifestyle- Get active! Walk, run, swim, ride a bike, play tennis or take a fitness class.
• Smoking- Quit smoking! It’s bad for your lungs and respiration as well as your colon.
• Alcohol- Drink moderately or save alcohol for special occasions.
• Obesity- Eating right and getting regular exercise will help shed those excess pounds.

Be a part of the Never Too Young campaign by visiting their website and talking to your doctor about your risk for early-onset colon cancer (Source: Colon Cancer Alliance).