Colon and Rectal Cancers Rising in Young People
Scientists are reporting a sharp rise in colorectal cancers in adults as young as their 20s and 30s
“80% by 2018” is a shared goal of the American Cancer Society to have 80% of adults aged 50 and older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
SALT LAKE CITY (March 1, 2017) - Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Doctors are seeing an increase in millennials being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Roger Hansen, a Salt Lake City resident, was diagnosed with colon cancer at 30. His wife forced him to see the doctor after months of feeling ill and dizzy. He was already in stage 3 of his cancer when he underwent a colonoscopy that discovered the cancerous polyps. He’s been in remission for 4 years, but he credits the colonoscopy with saving his life.
“Colon cancer is called the silent killer. I urge everyone to get a colonoscopy no matter how young they are, if they have a history of colon cancer in their family,” said Hansen. His aunt battled colon cancer as well.
Dr. R. Kyle Barnett, is a Gastroenterologist at Granite Peaks GI who spends his days working to help diagnose and heal people with colon cancer. He wants to educate the public about how easy and necessary it is to get a colonoscopy.
“Early diagnosis saves lives,” said Dr. Barnett. “We encourage you to come in and be screened, but there are even simple take home tests you can use.” Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.
Both the doctor and Roger Hansen are willing to be interviewed by the media about the importance of getting colonoscopies. Dr. Barnett is willing to let the media come into his clinic to see and get video of a colonoscopy being performed. It’s best to schedule a time on a Tuesday or Thursday to get pictures or video of a procedure.
“80% by 2018” is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative in which over five hundred organizations have committed to substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
“Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, and adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it, but we have found that many people aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are testing options or don’t think they can afford it,” said Kimberly Houk, American Cancer Society Communications Manager. “The truth is that the vast majority of cases of colorectal cancer occur in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer in its’ early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older should get tested. There are several screening options – even take home options – available. Plus, many public and private insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening and there may be local resources available to help those that are uninsured.”
While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30 percent in the U.S. over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable. In fact, in 2015 in the U.S., 132,700 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed.
Part of the 80% by 2018 goal is to leverage the energy of multiple and diverse partners to empower communities, patients, providers to increase screening rates. The 80% by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, non-profit organizations and patient advocacy groups who are committed to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more cancers and save lives.
