Marisa Peters, a young and active woman in her 30s, has recently been diagnosed with colorectal cancer after years of experiencing symptoms. Despite seeking medical attention for her symptoms, doctors initially dismissed them as hemorrhoids or postpartum changes following the birth of her first child. It wasn’t until after the birth of her third child that Ms. Peters underwent an urgent colonoscopy and received the devastating diagnosis.
Unfortunately, Ms. Peters’ story is not unique. The American Cancer Society recently published a report in January revealing that rates of colorectal cancer are rapidly increasing among individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. In contrast, the incidence of colorectal cancer is actually declining in those over the age of 65.
Dr. Michael Cecchini, a co-director of the colorectal program at Yale Cancer Center, emphasized that early-onset colorectal cancers have been on the rise since the mid-1990s, increasing by about 2 percent per year. Shockingly, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50 in the United States.
These alarming statistics highlight the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer, even in young and seemingly healthy individuals like Marisa Peters. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential symptoms, no matter the age of the patient. Don’t ignore any warning signs – seek medical attention promptly to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
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