Feeling Cheeky: Meet David Russo, founder of Cheeky Charity
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
You might think you’re too young for colorectal cancer. Think again.
Most people think that colorectal cancer affects only older adults—but today, more adults under age 45 are being diagnosed than ever before.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than age 50 has doubled since the 1990s. NCI estimates that by 2030, approximately one in 10 colon cancers and one in four rectal cancers will be diagnosed in people under age 50.
People under age 50 who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are more likely to:
It’s important for all adults to learn about colorectal cancer prevention, early detection and the signs and symptoms of the disease—even if you think you’re too young for this sh*t. It’s up to you to advocate for your health.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help you recognize any changes in your body that could be caused by cancer. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms (especially at first), but symptoms may include:
Your risk for colorectal cancer DOES increase as you age, but there are also other risk factors:
Your health history can also increase your risk, including having a personal or family history of:
Or a personal history of:
The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, beatable and treatable. Because most colorectal cancers start as precancerous polyps, getting screened (starting at 45!) is the best way to reduce your risk.
More on colorectal cancerRoutine screening–when you have NO signs or symptoms–now begins at age 45 (down from 50). When you turn 45, it’s time to check your health. Early Detection = Better Outcomes.
Test | Screening Interval |
---|---|
Colonoscopy | Every 10 years |
Virtual colonoscopy* | Every 5 years |
Flexible sigmoidoscopy* | Every 5 years |
High sensitivity guaiac based fecal occult blood test (HS gFOBT)* | Every year |
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)* | Every year |
Multitarget stool DNA test (mt-sDNA)* | Every 3 years |
*An abnormal result of a virtual colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, a positive FOBT, FIT or sDNA test should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
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