As more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it’s natural to feel worried. Rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 have been increasing since the 1990s, but the exact reasons for this rise are still unknown. Experts believe it may be related to lifestyle and environmental factors, but more research is needed to understand the cause.
One surprising symptom that has gained attention on social media is pencil-thin poop. This can be a red flag for colorectal cancer, especially if it is a new and persistent change in your stool. Healthy stool should be long and sausage-shaped, so any noticeable alterations in shape or consistency should be reported to your doctor.
Other common symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. Screening for colorectal cancer, such as a colonoscopy, is the best way to lower your risk or catch the disease early.
Screenings typically start at age 45, but individuals with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation treatment, certain genetic syndromes, or a personal history of colon cancer may need to be screened earlier. It’s important to keep your doctor informed about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
While these symptoms can be concerning, they do not necessarily mean you have colon cancer. However, it’s essential to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. Detecting colorectal cancer early is key to successful treatment. “We need to pay attention to these signs in order to catch cancer early when it is easier to treat and potentially cure,” Cecchini emphasized. “Fortunately, we are still able to successfully treat the majority of individuals with this disease each year.” This information was first published on HuffPost.
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