Colon Cancer Cases Rising in Young Adults, Experts Urge Earlier Screening
Seoul, South korea – A recent surge in colon polyp and cancer diagnoses among individuals in their 30s and 40s is prompting medical professionals to advocate for earlier and more frequent colonoscopy screenings. Traditionally recommended starting at age 50, experts now suggest those with family history or lifestyle risk factors consider beginning regular checks in their 30s.
Colorectal cancer often develops from polyps, which frequently present no noticeable symptoms.A recent survey indicates that 1-2 out of 10 people in their 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed with colon polyps, with men appearing notably susceptible. Early detection through colonoscopy is crucial, as cancers found during these screenings boast a success rate exceeding 90%.
“Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease of older people,” states Shin Hyun-sung, director of internal medicine.”Especially if you are in your 30s with family history or risk factors in lifestyle, you should have regular colonoscopy examination from now on.”
The risk is amplified for those with a family history of colorectal cancer, particularly hereditary conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which can cause the development of over 100 polyps in the large intestine and considerably increase cancer risk. Because colorectal cancer is often dubbed a “quiet cancer” due to its initially asymptomatic nature,delaying diagnosis until symptoms like bloody stools or weight loss appear can mean the disease has already progressed.
Adding colonoscopy to routine health checks for individuals in their 30s,especially those with risk factors,could mitigate both individual health consequences and potential social and economic burdens associated with the disease.
