Rising Cases of Colon Cancer among Young Adults

Information may not be reliable

Increasing incidences of colon cancer among young adults is in fact concerning. It also highlights the fact that colon cancer screening below the age of 50 years should be encouraged. It is also suggested that obesity rates have significantly increased & obesity is well known to be a major risk factor for colorectal cancers.

Colon Cancer Causes

It is still not clear in most cases as to what are colon cancer causes. However, doctors do understand that colon cancer is found to occur when healthy cells in colon develop faults within their DNA. These cells begin to grow cancerous & multiply even when newer cells are not needed. Eventually, these cells accumulate in order to form tumors. Over time, these colon cancer cells will grow, invade & destroy nearby normal tissue. Colon cancer cells can also metastasize to other parts of the body as well.

Gene Mutations Increasing Risk of Colon Cancer

Inherited gene mutations are found to increase risk of colon cancer which is passed through families. However, linked only to a small percentage of cases, these gene mutations do not make colon cancer inevitable but generally increase risk of developing one. Common types of inherited colon cancer syndromes include the following.

• Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) – Also known as Lynch syndrome, this tends to develop colon cancer before 50 years of age.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) – This is a rare disorder causing to develop thousands of polyps within the lining of colon & rectum before 40 years of age.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer symptoms generally include the following.

• Change in bowel habits or change in consistency of stools, including constipation or diarrhea lasting longer than 4 weeks.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stools.
• Feeling that bowel has not completely emptied.
• Persistent discomfort in abdomen like pain, gas or cramps.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Unexplained loss in weight.

However, many people do not experience any colon cancer symptoms in early stages. Moreover, when symptoms appear, they may vary depending upon the size & location of cancer within the large intestine.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening involves a test which looks for cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. Colonoscopy is a common screening test which involves finding polyp growths & removing them before they turn cancerous. Although harm from colon cancer screening are small benefits must however be weighed against risks from tests. Possible risks from colon cancer screening generally include pain, anxiety & other side effects.

Low Cost Treatments for Colon Cancer in India

India is a globally favorite healthcare tourism destination for international patients seeking affordable medical solutions without having to compromise on quality. Oncologists in India are some of the best reputed doctors honored all around the world. Moreover, India is home to a number of nationally & internationally accredited specialist cancer hospitals which are equipped with the latest medical devices. The best part is that colon cancer screening & treatment cost in India is just a fraction of what it takes in developed western countries while quality of treatment is at par with the best available in the world.