Scientists have uncovered the seven factors that significantly increase the risk of colon cancer in young men, shedding light on the alarming surge in cases among this demographic. Once believed to primarily affect the elderly, colon cancer has now been diagnosed at a higher rate among young adults in recent years. In a study conducted by researchers from Indiana University, medical records of 3,000 men aged 35 to 49 were analyzed, revealing that a fifth of them had been diagnosed with colon cancer. The study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, involved examining the electronic health records of men from veteran medical centers and databases. The researchers compared these records against 67 factors including diet, smoking status, and medication use to determine the most significant risk factors for early onset colon cancer, which occurs before the age of 50. Among all the factors, seven were found to have a substantial impact on the risk. These factors include being slightly older (35 to 49 years old), alcohol use, high insurance copay, having a first- or second-degree relative with colon cancer, high disease burden (such as being a smoker), and not regularly using statins or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Dr. Thomas Imperiale, a gastroenterologist at Indiana University and the lead author of the study, emphasized that the findings do not suggest all young men should start taking NSAIDs or statins regularly due to potential side effects. Instead, he suggested that individuals should assess the other five factors to gauge their own risk. The researchers hope that the study will prompt consideration of screening for individuals younger than the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening, as the incidence of colon cancer continues to rise in this age group. While the absolute risk is still lower in those aged 45 to 54, efforts to identify high-risk individuals for screening purposes should not be disregarded, according to Dr. Imperiale. The study also discovered that men with a family history of colon cancer were more than twice as likely as their peers to develop the disease. Alcohol use increased the risk by 75 percent, and a high insurance copay was associated with a 61 percent increased likelihood of developing colon cancer. Additionally, a high disease burden raised the risk by 15 percent, while being slightly older increased the risk by nine percent. The researchers speculate that taking NSAIDs and statins regularly may reduce the risk of colon cancer due to their impact on prostaglandin production in the colon lining cells. Alcohol consumption is believed to raise the risk by damaging colon cells and altering the gut microbiome. The study also identified a high insurance copay as a risk factor because it discourages people from seeking medical attention. Colon cancer typically originates from polyps on the inner lining of the colon, with cells in these growths eventually growing uncontrollably and leading to the development of cancer. Symptoms are often absent until later stages, making early screening crucial in order to successfully treat the disease. Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, ongoing abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel habits are potential warning signs. Data from JAMA Surgery indicates that colon cancer cases are projected to increase by 90 percent among individuals aged 20 to 34 by 2030. However, healthcare professionals are unsure of the precise reasons behind this rise. Previous research in 2020 identified 232 counties in the US as hotspots for early-onset colon cancer. These hotspots were primarily concentrated in the southern states, potentially due to a higher proportion of African American populations and increased poverty rates leading to reduced access to healthcare. The charity Fight Colorectal Cancer emphasizes the importance of early detection, as patients diagnosed at stage one have a survival rate of over 90 percent, whereas at stage four, only 14 percent survive beyond five years.
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