As per a 2021 report of Lancet, a total of 65,358 new cases of colorectal cancer was reported in India in 2021. "The incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing worldwide currently being 19.5 per 100 000 population globally and 15.2 in India," the report says and adds that there has been a rise in the number of cases in those under 50 years of age.
Colorectal cancer can be treated if it is detected at an early stage. However, the majority of cancer cases are reported at an advanced stage making it important to learn about the symptoms of the diseases.
This is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine or colon of an individual.
As per a study by the researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis four signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help diagnose the disease early.
"These red flags may be key to earlier detection and diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer among younger adults," the university has said in an official statement.
The study was published on May 4 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
THESE signs are seen between 3 months and 2 years of the diagnosis
The researchers found four crucial signs of the disease between three months and two years of the diagnosis of the disease.
The signs are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia.
These signs, the researchers say indicate an increase in risk of colorectal cancer in those under 50 years of age.
Having a single symptom doubled the risk
The researchers found that "having a single one of the symptoms almost doubled the risk; having two symptoms increased risk by more than 3.5 times; and having three or more boosted the risk by more than 6.5 times."
As per Yin Cao, a senior investigator, two symptoms in particular — rectal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen — point to the need for timely endoscopy and follow-up.
Individuals born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer.
The researchers have highlighted a trend that is heavily alarming.
Corroborating the growing cases of incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults, the researchers have said individuals born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared with those born in 1950.
What are the other signs of colorectal cancer you should be careful about?
Change in bowel habits
Change in bowel pattern; diarrhea or constipation
Blood in the stool
Feeling that bowel does not get empty
Weakness or extreme fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
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