When we hear the words “colon cancer,” most of us think about people in their late 50’s and 60’s. Well, new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer are occurring at an increasing rate among young and middle-aged adults in the US. In fact, someone born in the 1990s now has double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared to people born around 1950. This uptick has been progressing since the 1980’s. Simultaneously, colon cancer diagnoses among people older than 55 have been decreasing.

More Colon Cancer in Younger People

Researchers are unsure what is causing more colon cancer cases among younger people. It could be a combination of stress, dietary choices and other behaviors. People younger than 55 are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer than older people often because most 20-30 somethings don’t  have cancer on their radar. They are more likely to disregard symptoms  or assume that they’re due to something harmless like hemorrhoids, which can delay treatment.

Since,the increase of colorectal cancer cases may be due to the increased rate of obesity, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity, you can lower your risk by engaging in healthy habits such as:

• Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats).
• Getting regular exercise.
• Watching your weight.
• Avoiding tobacco.
• Limiting alcohol. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

Young patients should be aware of colorectal cancer signs and symptoms and report any changes to their health care provider.

The most common signs and symptoms include:

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a few days
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
• Rectal bleeding
• Dark stools, or blood in the stool
• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Stools that are very narrow, like a pencil

We do have good news!

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  Testing can find colon or rectal cancer earlier, when it’s easier to treat. In some cases, screening finds growths called polyps that can be removed before they become cancer.

Prevention is your number one line of defense against cancer. Colon cancer is no longer  just an “old man’s disease.” If you have concerns about colorectal  cancer or if you have a family history of colorectal  cancer, please give us a call at 662-282-4226 to schedule a screening.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20170808/colorectal-cancer-death-rates-up-for-young-whites

https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/study-finds-sharp-rise-in-colon-cancer-and-rectal-cancer-rates-among-young-adults.html

When we think vaccinations, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is either chubby little babies or kindergarteners excited for school. Little do most people know that adults need vaccinations too.

Why Vaccines Matter.

The most important reason adults need to keep up to date on their vaccines is to protect themselves and their families against illness.The use of vaccines prevent many very serious diseases. Some of the illnesses include:

Pneumonia-which is dangerous to older adults

Influenza-which kills thousands of people every year

Shingles-which can be very painful disease

Which Shots Do You Need?

First of all, every adult should get the influenza vaccine every year. Flu viruses adapt quickly and change every year. The previous year’s vaccine might not protect against new strains.

Other shots may be required because of waning immunity. Adults need vaccines because the effective of childhood shots can fade. Booster shots given after the initial vaccine provide continued protection. Adults need tetanus and diphtheria booster shots every 10 years. A one time booster for whooping cough is also recommended is often given with the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines.

What If You Missed Childhood Vaccines?

Some adults never received certain vaccines in childhood and need them now. One of the newer vaccines on the market, the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, received approval by the FDA just a decade ago. The  CDC recommends females up to age 26 and males up to age 21 should receive this vaccine. Young adults who didn’t get the vaccine as adolescents should receive it before they reach those ages.

HPV is a very common virus and can sometimes cause certain cancers and other diseases.

HPV infection can cause:

• cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women;
• cancers of the penis in men; and
• cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils in both women and men.

What About Senior Citizens?

Besides the annual vaccines everyone needs like the influenza vaccine, seniors over the age of 60 have specific vaccine needs. People older than 60 should get the shingles vaccine because the risk of contracting the painful skin rash grows as you age.

Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus. If you have had the chickenpox, the inactive virus is present in your body, but it can reactivate and cause the shingles.

Beginning at age 65, people should receive pneumococcal vaccines to protect against pneumonia and meningitis. These illnesses can be life threatening for older adults.

Are you up to date on your vaccinations? If you’re not sure, give us a call at 662-282-4226 and schedule an appointment.