9X with this symptom should immediately think of cancer

The number of people with colon and rectal cancer is increasing sharply among the age group born after 1990.

Many people know that prevention is the first line of defense when it comes to cancer. You may have done a breast self-exam, or checked your skin for moles. But now, it’s time to pay attention to the toilet.

cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer

According to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, cases of colon and rectal cancer have increased significantly among young people, while the rate has decreased among older people.

Researchers found that people born in 1990 or later are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectal cancer than those born in 1950.

For the age group born in the mid-1980s, the incidence of the disease also increased while the group of people over 55 years old decreased.

What is the cause? Researchers are not yet sure.

“It could be related to stress, diet, or other behaviors,” says Lisa Ganjhu, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology at NYU Langone Medical Center.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), colon cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in women, after breast cancer and lung cancer.

However, this is one of the types of cancer that can be prevented if symptoms are detected early.

A light streak of blood on toilet paper after use is probably harmless, but frequent, large amounts, or red or black blood should prompt a visit to your doctor. This could signal a problem with your colon, Ganjhu says.

Everyone experiences constipation occasionally, but if it persists it can be a sign of a blockage in the colon. It can even be a sign of a tumor at the end of the rectum, making constipation worse. Persistent diarrhea is also alarming.

Stomach cramps may be caused by gas, but they can also be more serious. If you have unusual pelvic pain or feel like you need to have a bowel movement but can't, you should also see a doctor.

According to VNN

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