Important Facts Young People Need to Know About Colon Cancer
The words “You have bowel cancer” is the last thing that young people expect to hear from their doctors. This is because most of us think that this condition only occurs in the elderly. But according to colon cancer statistics, the incidence is already increasing in young individuals.
Colon cancer statistics state that 1 out of 14 individuals diagnosed with colon cancer are under 50 years old. This is an alarming data especially since there is a significant surge in the number each year.
What the Younger Population Needs to Know About the Condition
Know your personal and family medical history.
If you have relatives who are diagnosed with colon cancer, you have a high risk of developing the condition. This risk is doubled particularly if you have close relatives like siblings, or parents who are 55 years old and above and are diagnosed with the disease.
If you are young but have a relative who has the condition, ask your doctor’s advice about the different screening procedures you can undergo for early detection and prevention.
Learn to identify colon cancer signs and symptoms.
When you know the different colon cancer signs and symptoms, you can immediately seek medical attention when you experience it.
Here are the early signs and symptoms of colon cancer:
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Unexplained anemia
- Recurrent cramps, gas, and bloated feeling
If you observe any of the signs mentioned above, it does not necessarily mean that you have colon cancer. However, it’s still recommended that you discuss them with your physician.
Undergo colon cancer screening.
Colon cancer screening is recommended for people who are 50 years old and above. This should be performed every 1-2 years.
Younger people can also request for this screening. You just have to submit yourself to a thorough check-up and your physician will decide if the screening is suggested.
Have a healthy lifestyle.
Regardless of your age or family history, it is important to modify your lifestyle for colon cancer prevention. According to experts, changes in your diet and physical activity could aid in reducing the occurrence of colon cancer by up to 75%.
How to Prevent and Reduce Your Risk for Colon Cancer
The most effective colon cancer prevention method is adapting a healthy lifestyle and changing your diet. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing the deadly condition:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Be active.
- Limit your red meat intake and eliminate processed food.
- Get a sufficient amount of vitamin D and calcium.
- Drink moderately.
- Take multivitamins especially one which contains folate.
- Eat fruits and vegetables regularly.
On top of being active and eating healthy, you can also regularly take Amazon Thunder - Organic Supplements as a source of antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.