bowel Cancer Cases Rising in Younger Adults: Specialist Offers 6 Vital Tips
Dubai, UAE – A growing trend of bowel cancer diagnoses among individuals under 50, even those with healthy lifestyles, is prompting urgent calls for increased awareness adn proactive screening. Experts are reporting a rise in cases in 27 out of 50 countries worldwide, challenging the conventional association of the disease solely with obesity. A specialist is urging individuals to be vigilant about symptoms and seek expert medical advice, warning against relying on unverified online details.
The increasing incidence in younger, healthier populations underscores the need for a shift in preventative strategies. While researchers haven’t pinpointed a definitive cause, theories link the rise to processed foods and exposure to certain bacteria. Despite the concerning trend,survival rates remain positive,with over half of patients living for 10 years after diagnosis. Here are six crucial tips from specialists to help protect yourself and recognise potential warning signs:
1. Don’t Self-Diagnose with “Dr. Google.” Experts strongly advise against relying on internet searches for medical diagnoses.Rather, if you have concerns, seek multiple professional opinions – “Get 10 opinions if you need it,” as one specialist recommends. “Look for a global expert and visit him. Go with an open mind. But do not search for one doctor who performs one operation and promises to recover.”
2. Beware of Unqualified “Nutrition Experts.” The rise of misinformation online is particularly dangerous when it comes to cancer treatment. A specialist cautioned against listening to unqualified individuals offering unproven remedies, stating, “Cancer diagnoses are arduous, but they stopped listening to a random ’feeding expert’ on the Internet that provides advice to treat cancer in sage and coffee suppositories.”
3. Consult a Certified Dietitian Alongside Oncological Care. If diagnosed with cancer, integrate natural approaches with traditional medicine under the guidance of a certified dietitian specializing in cancer treatment.This collaborative approach can optimize survival opportunities.
4. Know the Warning Signs. Be alert for changes in bowel habits, including frequent or urgent needs, blood in the stool, anal bleeding, abdominal pain, swelling, constipation, or diarrhea. Other symptoms include fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
5. Understand Your Risk Factors. Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer, genetic intestinal diseases, or pre-existing conditions like Ulcerative Colitis, crohn’s disease, or benign intestinal tumors should discuss regular colonoscopies with their doctor.
6. Prioritize Early Screening. Even without known risk factors, awareness of symptoms and proactive medical consultation are key. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.