Bowel cancer symptoms amid alarming rise in cases among young people

Experts have explained two reasons why there has been an increase in cases of bowel cancer among young people and listed the symptoms to look out for in order to catch the disease early. In addition, 100 people a day are diagnosed with the condition, and scientists say it is due to changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as genetic factors.

In particular, there has been an increase in the amount of processed foods consumed, as well as less exercise, now normal. Warning signs of colorectal cancer include bleeding, bloating, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain and unusual changes in stool consistency – diarrhea or constipation that deviates from your norm, The Mirror reports.

Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Haney Youssef, who specializes in colorectal cancer and works as a colorectal surgeon at Harborne Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, said: “The modern diet, particularly in Western countries, has seen a significant increase in the consumption . of processed foods and fast food These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars and additives, while they are low in fiber and processed foods can contribute to the development of bowel cancer.

Fiber helps keep us regular, which means harmful chemicals can pass through the gut, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Meats that are processed by curing, smoking or salting, such as sausages, bacon, salami, chorizo, ham and hot dogs, are best known for increasing the risk of cancer. This is often done by adding chemical preservatives such as nitrates, which upon digestion can turn into N-nitroso chemicals, which in turn damage the gut.

Another contributing factor may be an increased sedentary lifestyle, the more active you are, the lower your risk of colorectal cancer, according to CRUK. Dr Youssef said: “With the rise of digital technology and changes in work and leisure activities, sedentary lifestyles have become more common.

“Many young people spend long hours sitting, either at a desk, in front of a computer or using mobile devices. Lack of physical activity is a known risk factor for bowel cancer, as regular exercise helps maintain a healthy digestive system and overall well-being. -being.”

Staying active strengthens your immune system, making it more adept at targeting cells that could turn into cancer, CRUK says. Dr. Youssef explains: “Obesity rates have increased globally and younger age groups are not immune to this trend.

“Excess body fat can lead to inflammation and changes in hormone levels, which can promote the development of cancer. The increasing prevalence of obesity in younger people is a contributing factor to the increased incidence of bowel cancer in this demographic.”

Being overweight causes an increase in the body’s growth hormones, leading to more frequent cell division and a greater risk of cancer cell formation, thus increasing the chances of developing the disease. In addition, immune cells gather in areas with high concentrations of fat cells, causing increased inflammation and faster cell division in those regions.

Although you can’t control genetic factors, they also play a role in your risk of disease. It’s not just about diet and exercise; genetics can also increase your susceptibility to disease.

Dr Youssef said: “The research did not reveal a conclusive link between genetics and increased diagnosis, however, having a first-degree relative under 50 who had bowel cancer could suggest a higher risk for younger people.” .

He continued: “While most cases of bowel cancer are sporadic, some younger patients may have a genetic predisposition to the disease. Conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increase the risk of developing bowel cancer at a young age. However, this age only accounts for five percent of all bowel cancer cases.”

Dr Youssef added: “Younger people are more aware of the importance of getting medical advice for symptoms such as ongoing changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding. As a result, this could have a knock-on effect on the number of young people diagnosed. .”

He said: “Symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding can be attributed to less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or haemorrhoids. For a small minority, this delay in accurate diagnosis allows the cancer to progress to more advanced stages before it is detected, by addressing controllable factors such as eating habits, promoting physical activity and managing obesity, individuals can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer .”