Colon Cancer on the Rise for Young Adults in Colombia

Colon cancer used to be typically diagnosed in older people, but this no longer seems to be the case. One out of every five diagnosed cases is found in adults younger than 55, which is concerning. The American Cancer Society reported that in 1995, one out of every ten diagnosed cancer cases occurred in this younger age group. 

In Colombia, colon cancer is ranked third for frequency and mortality, just behind cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease. The rise in the frequency of colon cancer has become a public health problem. This is because treatment and handling of the disease are costly. The average risk of developing colon cancer is 4.5%. 

Colon cancer symptoms and prevention for young adults

This disease generates abdominal pain, frequent inflammation, and blood in fecal matter. These symptoms have become more frequent among young people, mainly thanks to current eating habits. It becomes more challenging to detect the disease early when individuals choose not to undergo testing.

Survival chances for cancer increase by up to 90% with an early diagnosis. Evidence published in the Colombian Magazine of Cancerology suggests that leading a healthy lifestyle and consuming a nutrient-rich diet can greatly decrease the likelihood of developing cancer. Consuming fiber through fruits could help prevent colon cancer by 50%. Fiber enhances bodily functions and allows the absorbtion of cancerogenics from fecal matter. It can also help regulate colonic transit, create an increase in short-chain fatty acid production, and reduce the colon’s pH. 

According to the FHN director, the stomach’s pH should be between 1-2. However, they claim that evidence suggests that unhealthy eating habits, stress, and a poor emotional state can cause the pH to rise to between 5-6. This is where gastroenteritis starts. This condition will cause patients to use omeprazole and proton bomb inhibitors. The use of these medicines and devices has severe side effects. These include worsening the state of the stomach, creating a vulnerable intestine, and increasing allergies. Their use also worsens asthma and generates dependency. 

Experts are encouraging Colombian youth to do several things to prevent colon cancer, such as improving their sleeping and exercising habits. Nonetheless, it is overwhelmingly clear that the best tools to prevent colon cancer are improved diet and eating habits, and avoidance of prescribed drugs.