Colon Cancer on the Rise Among Young Adults in India: Know Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Screening and Prevention Tips
Colon Cancer on the Rise Among Young Adults in India: Know Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Screening and Prevention Tips
Doctors in India have observed an increase in colon cancer cases among younger people. A 2023 study by the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) found that colon cancer is increasingly affecting adults aged 31 to 40. Earlier, the disease was more common in people over 50. Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine or rectum and is highly treatable when detected early.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer begins in the colon, the long tube in the body that carries digested food to the rectum. It usually develops from growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon. Some polyps can become cancerous over time. Screening tests are available to detect these polyps before they turn into cancer. If untreated, colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymph nodes. Early detection and treatment have helped reduce deaths from colon cancer.
How Colon Cancer Develops
The colon wall has several layers, with the innermost layer called the mucosa. This layer produces mucus and other fluids. Cancer starts when cells in the mucosa mutate and form polyps. Over several years, these polyps may become cancerous. If the cancer is not treated, it can grow through the colon’s layers and spread to other organs.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer may not show symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they can resemble less serious conditions. Common signs include blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and fatigue or shortness of breath caused by anemia. Any of these symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider promptly.
Causes and Risk Factors
Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon grow and divide uncontrollably. While the exact cause is often unclear, certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions increase risk. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diets high in red and processed meats, and lack of exercise are linked to higher chances of colon cancer. Medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome, a family history of colon cancer, and multiple polyps also increase risk.
Diagnosis and Screening
Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose colon cancer, including blood tests, X-rays, CT and MRI scans, PET scans, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous. Guidelines recommend that adults begin regular colon cancer screenings at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or chronic bowel disease.
Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?
While colon cancer cannot always be prevented, risk can be reduced. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables can lower risk. Keeping track of family history and following recommended screening schedules is also important. Early detection and lifestyle management are key to reducing the impact of this disease.
