Colon, Bowel Cancer Update: Millenials More Likely To Develop Digestive Conditions Compared To Older People?

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Cancers, such as bowel and colon, have always been associated with older people. Unfortunately, the number of young people who are diagnosed with cancer is increasing and this is because of their unhealthy lifestyles such as poor diet and limited exercise.

According to a new study that Daily Mail Online has reported, millennials who were born from 1980 to 1995 have four times of risk to acquiring rectal tumors in comparison with those who are born around 1950. This breaking news has become more alarming since most patients who are diagnosed with rectal cancers are those whose ages are below 55.

Meanwhile, USA Today reported that the younger generation is also at twice the risk of having colon cancers. What's sad about this is that there are notions that these conditions start only after middle age.

Nevertheless, the study does not only serve as an awareness but also as a warning sign to today's generation about their risk of developing digestive diseases. Experts have suggested screening individuals who are on their early 20s, instead of starting to those who are over 60s.

"Educational campaigns are needed to alert clinicians and the general public about this increase to help reduce delays in diagnosis, which are so prevalent in young people but also to encourage healthier eating and more active lifestyles to try to reverse this trend," Dr. Rebecca Siegel, an epidemiologist from the American Cancer Society said.

Meanwhile, the study claims that eating fast foods and consuming other unhealthy options such as soda, chocolates, and cakes increases the risk of developing the condition. Also, taking a diet that involves red or processed meats such as bacon and sausages also contributes in developing the condition. Furthermore, vices such as smoking and high alcohol intake have also been linked to bowel cancer.

Having inadequate exercise also increases the risk of having bowel and colon cancer, therefore, switching to a healthier lifestyle for as early as now helps in reducing the chances of having these possible diseases. To know more about cancer, read here.