Colon cancer is surging among young people in the US, with cases increasing by 85% among adults aged 25-29 over the past two decades. To combat this trend, a little-known at-home test has been pinpointed as a highly effective tool for detecting early-onset colon cancer. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which screens feces for flecks of blood, has an accuracy rate of up to 92% when paired with DNA screening.
The test, costing $49 or $600 with DNA screening, is FDA-approved and allows individuals as young as 40 to screen before reaching the recommended age of 45. Studies have shown that those who undergo the FIT method between ages 40-49 are 39% less likely to die from colon cancer than their peers.
A recent study found that adults born in the 1980s have double the risk of suffering from colon cancer compared to their parents, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening. The American College of Surgeons recommends that patients over 45 with average risk take the test, which is free under health insurance plans.
While the test can be extremely helpful, doctors caution that about five-10% of patients who receive a positive result do not have colon cancer or advanced polyps. It’s essential to follow up with a doctor for results and discuss further screening.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14809655/test-early-onset-colon-cancer-symptoms-experts-epidemic.html