Colon cancer is becoming increasingly common among younger adults, prompting the American Cancer Society to launch a new online risk assessment tool during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
According to Dr. Jeff Lee of Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, colon cancer is now the leading cause of death from cancer in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age group. The exact reasons for this trend are unclear, but several risk factors have been identified, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking history, consuming red meats or processed foods, and heavy alcohol use.
To help individuals assess their colon cancer risk, the American Cancer Society has created a new online tool called CancerRisk360. The 10-15 minute assessment takes into account various risk factors and can help determine if an earlier screening is needed.
Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of early detection, citing a 90% survival rate at five years for those who receive treatment when detected early. He recommends starting regular screening at age 45, which may include a colonoscopy or stool-based test.
Symptoms such as blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits can indicate the need for medical attention. Dr. Lee advises talking to one’s doctor to determine the best screening option and emphasizes that screening is safe and crucial for prevention.
The new online tool aims to educate individuals about their risk and encourage early detection, ultimately improving colon cancer survival rates.
Source: https://abc7news.com/post/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-cancerrisk360-is-helping-people-any-age-asses-colon-risk/16040602