Younger adults in the United States and Texas are experiencing a rise in colon cancer cases, according to the Texas Medical Association (TMA). The organization is encouraging individuals to discuss colorectal screening with their physicians.
TMA has released a new one-page guide to inform the public about colorectal cancer, including information on signs, symptoms, and preventive measures. The guide is available in both English and Spanish, as well as a version for physicians, on TMA’s cancer web page.
“We want to raise awareness of signs and symptoms, so patients know when to seek care,” said Andy Chen, MD, a member of the TMA Committee on Cancer. “We want to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s own risk – knowing one’s own family history and knowing the big contributing factors. Most importantly, we want to promote early detection and early screening.”
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum—parts of the large intestine—and often starts as non-cancerous polyps that can become malignant over time. It is currently the third most diagnosed cancer among men and women in both Texas and nationwide. Colorectal cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death overall in these populations. Projections indicate it may become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people aged 20 to 49 by 2030.
Since 2011, cases of early onset colorectal cancer—those occurring in people under age 50—have risen by approximately two percent each year. Death rates from this disease have also increased by about one percent annually among this age group since 2005.
Dr. Chen described these trends as an “alarming increase in colorectal cancer in young people.” He added: “The saddest part about taking care of young cancer patients is seeing the delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment because of their young age.”
The TMA guide highlights that colonoscopy remains the only screening method that can both detect existing cancers and prevent them by allowing doctors to remove potentially pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure.
Physicians recommend that individuals who experience symptoms associated with colorectal cancer consult their doctor regarding possible screening options.
The patient guide includes common warning signs for colorectal cancer and outlines steps for prevention such as avoiding tobacco use, maintaining physical activity levels, limiting alcohol consumption, increasing dietary fiber intake, and reducing red meat consumption.
Dr. Chen emphasized: “I hope after reading this one-pager, people will be encouraged to talk to their physicians about colorectal cancer screening.”
TMA represents more than 59,000 physician and medical student members across Texas through its headquarters in Austin and its network of county medical societies throughout the state. Since its founding in 1853, TMA’s main goal has been improving health outcomes for Texans.
