Millennials Twice as Likely to Get Colon Cancer than Baby Boomers

A new study suggests that Millennials have a double risk of colon cancer when compared with their peers born in the 1950s, aka the Baby Boomers. Doctors recommend the younger generation get screened as soon as they hit their 40s.

Also, Millennials should add more fruit and veggies to their diets and stay physically active to keep colorectal cancer and other diseases at bay.

The American Cancer Society now advises adults to check themselves for colorectal cancer as early as the age of 45. Earlier guidelines recommended colon cancer screening to be done after age 50.

Yet, younger people should get screened for all types of cancer if they suspect that something is wrong.

The American Cancer Society changed its screening policy thanks to a recent study that has revealed a jump of 51% in colorectal cancer cases between 1994 and 2014. In other words, a person born in the 1980s or early 1990s is twice as likely to have the serious disease than a person born in the 1950s.

Colon Cancer Can Be Deadly

Colorectal cancer, which emerges in the rectum or colon, is the fourth most widespread type of cancer. If it is not detected in time, it can spread to the rest of the body and kill the patient.

Some of the most common signs that you might have colon cancer are a bloody stool, weight loss, diarrhea, and abrupt changes in bowel habits. Lower levels of hemoglobin may signal the condition, as well.

However, if you already have these symptoms, the tumor could have progressed to a more serious stage. Doctors highly recommend getting screened for the condition before it is too late. Screening can be a truly life-saver in most cases.

Study authors hope that early screening could help slash the mortality rates of colorectal cancer and reduce its incidence.
Image Source: Flickr