Prolonged and unexplained bouts of diarrhea, stomachaches, and rectal bleeding may serve as early warning signs of colorectal cancer, especially among young adults who do not yet qualify for routine colonoscopies, according to recent research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Matthew Kalady, Director of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, stresses the importance of recognizing these symptoms, even though they may be uncomfortable to discuss. The study, conducted by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and involving 5,075 individuals with early-onset colorectal cancer, aimed to identify potential indicators of the disease.
With colorectal cancer diagnoses on the rise among younger demographics, early detection becomes crucial, given that a significant number of cases are not diagnosed until advanced stages. The American Cancer Society reports a doubling in the proportion of colorectal cancer cases occurring in people under 55, from 11% to 20%, between 1995 and 2019.
The research identified four key symptoms that appeared up to two years before a colorectal cancer diagnosis:
1. Abdominal pain
2. Rectal bleeding
3. Ongoing diarrhea
4. Iron deficiency anemia
These symptoms often precede formal diagnosis, prompting the need for increased awareness and vigilance among both individuals and healthcare providers. Dr. Cassandra Fritz, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms, as they could signify underlying issues requiring attention.
The study revealed that nearly half of the participants experienced at least one of these symptoms three months prior to diagnosis, with additional symptoms correlating with an increased risk of cancer diagnosis. Dr. Yin Cao, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, underscores the urgency of addressing this “alarming problem,” urging young adults to be proactive in recognizing and reporting potential symptoms.
Despite the challenges of distinguishing between normal and concerning symptoms, experts advise individuals to pay attention to any persistent changes in bowel habits or abdominal discomfort. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, urges individuals to advocate for further diagnostic testing if they notice anything out of the ordinary.
Early detection remains pivotal in combating colorectal cancer, particularly among younger populations where awareness and timely intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. As such, recognizing and addressing potential symptoms early on is paramount in the fight against this increasingly prevalent disease.
Credit: NBC News
