March Madness Bracket Winner? Millennials Could Score Colon and Rectal Cancer
March wraps up coming in like a lion, March Madness and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. With the many articles on social media and published research this month in regards to colon and rectal cancer, there should be some increased awareness and take home messages for all.
- There has been a sharp rise in colon and rectal cancers in young and middle-aged adults.2
- Colon cancer is one of the more common cancers in the United States. Approximately 1 in 20 Americans will develop colon cancer during their lifetime. 1
- Rectal cancer incidence has increased more significantly than colon cancer at 3% per year compared to 1-2% for adults ages 20-39.2
- Awareness and education regarding screening, healthy eating and active lifestyles are imperative for all despite age factors.
Be Aware Generation X and Millennials
Per the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is a sharp rise in colon and rectal cancer in Gen X and Millennials (generation born between 1982 and 2004) and a 32% decrease for those 50 and older.2
This study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that once age was considered, those born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared to people born around 1950.2 The colorectal cancer risk for millennials has increased back to the level of those born in the late 1800’s. Because of their age, 58% are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage disease than older people.2 Researchers speculate that this is likely due to delayed follow up after symptoms and screening not on the radar for this age group.
Screening and Prevention
Screening is testing done on people without symptoms so that pre-cancerous growths and early diagnosed cancers can be easier to treat.
Currently the ACS recommends colorectal cancer screening start at age 50 for most individuals with earlier screening for those with a family history.1
When symptoms are present, it is often when colon cancer is diagnosed, or the cancer has grown or spread.
Because Gen X and Millennials do not fall within that age bracket for screening, these individuals must receive education to focus on healthier eating and active lifestyles. Education about the signs and symptoms of colon and rectal cancer are imperative to reduce delays in diagnosis and have optimal survival outcomes.
It’s Not That Bad!!
Screening for these cancers has caused this cancer incidence to drop since the mid 1980’s.2 Screening can find colon or rectal cancer earlier when it is easier to treat for find growths, polyps, that can be removed before they become cancerous.
Colonoscopy preparation and the procedure gets a bad rap and is not usually on one’s bucket list. The earlier cancer is identified, the more optimal the outcome prognosis.
There are many kinds of screening options available, colonoscopy is one of those methods. A newer non-invasive test for colon cancer approved by the FDA in 2014 is now available called Cologuard which is a stool DNA test.1 This test looks for certain gene changes that are sometimes found in colon cancer cells. If the Cologuard test is positive the patient would then need a colonoscopy to confirm it and possibly remove any polyps. This test is most effective for those with an average risk for colon cancer not for those with a personal history of colon problems or precancerous poly. Discussing the multiple types of screening tests with your nurse practitioner or doctor will help determine which method would be most appropriate.1
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is an excellent resource for all individuals for information on early detection through various screening techniques, signs and symptoms and resources if diagnosed with colorectal cancer.1
American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms1
- Change is bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation
- Urgency of having more frequent bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding
- Dark stools or blood in stool
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended or unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors Within Your Control1
- Increase your consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, less red meat and processed meats
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco
- Limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and one for women, per ACS
- Get screened for colon and rectal cancer with time frames based on family history, history of other colorectal medical conditions and age
Comprehensive Coordinated Healthcare Team
Active lifestyles and exercise are proven methods to reduce cancer incidence and reoccurrence. If a decrease in the ability to be active is due to a physical limitation, reach out to a rehabilitation professional who is skilled in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction.
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, discuss cancer rehabilitation and other survivorship care services with your medical care team to help improve your overall health, strength and endurance prior to surgery. Prehabilitation (rehabilitation prior to surgery) can often improve overall health so that there are more viable treatment options which ultimately can increase survival rate.4 Survivorship care services are vital to receive from initial diagnosis throughout the course of cancer treatment. A comprehensive coordinated healthcare team will maximize an individual’s ability to return to their best self in mind, body and spirit.
Kristin M. Carroll is an oncology physical therapist and Co-CEO, Director of Clinical Operations, of Survivorship Solutions, LLC., a healthcare consultancy firm, located in Boston, Hartford and Chicago.
For more information on how to integrate Oncology Rehabilitation and Survivorship Care Services into your community, contact us at
References
- https://www.cancer.org/latest-news.html?tag=cancer-types%3Acolon-and-rectal-cancer
- J Natl Cancer Inst 2017; doi;10.1093/jnci/djw322
- Oncology Times: 25 March 2017; vol 39,6-p50
- Gillis et al. Prehabilitation versus Rehabilitation A Randomized Control Trial in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Resection for Cancer; Anesthesiology 2014; XXX:00-00; 1-11