Beware of dangerous cancer: A noticeable increase in cases! Now seen in young people

While the number of patients applying to health institutions due to digestive system disorders has increased in recent years, experts point out that colon cancer cases are shifting to younger age groups.

In this context, a similar pattern was observed in colonoscopy screenings conducted at Sular Academy Hospital in Kahramanmaraş. While four cases of colon cancer were detected in the 45-55 age group in the past month alone, experts emphasized that this rate isn't limited to older age groups. They noted that the city's incidence rates are similar to Turkey's overall, but the risk appears to be lower at earlier ages due to genetics and dietary habits.

'IT IS SIMILAR TO THE TURKISH AVERAGE'

Dr. İspiroğlu noted that the city's overall colon cancer rates are close to the Turkish average, and pointed out that the availability of colonoscopy screenings increases awareness.

Dr. İspiroğlu said, "We're particularly interested in examining this issue, which we've noticed in recent patient examinations. I'd like to specifically address the prevalence of colon cancer in patients under 40. Normally, the incidence of colon cancer varies between 25 and 15 per 100,000 in Turkey. Of course, many factors, such as nutrition, vitamin D, genetic factors, smoking, and alcohol, can be considered risk factors.

However, the most important thing here is to diagnose this cancer early. Catching it at an early stage is vital. Our most recent colonoscopy, which revealed four cases in the last month, and these were mostly among those aged 45 to 55, demonstrates the importance of this screening. Therefore, please don't postpone our screenings. Our city's rate is in line with the national average.

Considering our own city's diet, we believe that both genetic and nutritional factors are more prominent. The increased frequency may be partly due to the increased accessibility of screening to our patients. Additionally, there are certain familial conditions. For example, in patients with familial police syndromes, we recommend colon screening, especially for those aged 15 and older.

If a family member has been diagnosed with colon cancer under the age of 40, it is recommended that other relatives be screened 8-10 years prior to the diagnosis. All risk factors must be considered, and individuals with these risk factors are recommended to be followed up at an appropriate center for detailed evaluation annually, every five years if there is a family history, and every five years after age 50, even if there is no family history of malignancy.

Dietary factors here include those who consume excessively fatty foods and those on low-fiber diets. This risk naturally increases in those who smoke and consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and vitamin D levels are particularly important. Vitamin D deficiency also increases the risk of colon cancer. Furthermore, if our patients frequently complain of anemia, this requires investigation to determine whether there is a bleeding source in the intestines or stomach. Unfortunately, some of our patients come to many centers and are simply given blood thinning medications and sent off. However, the key here is to determine whether there is a bleeding source in the intestines or stomach that is causing the low blood count. This could be a source that is not visible to the naked eye. To identify this, an examination such as a colonoscopy or a gastroscopy is also necessary.

(UAV)