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Colon cancer: the symptoms to watch out for

A revolutionary new study could change forever the way we view, assess and monitor colon cancer, one of the most aggressive and terrible diseases known to man. Now, in fact, four main symptoms have been pointed out that one must watch out for in terms of prevention, especially if one is under 50 years old.

The study was conducted by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and will be useful for diagnosing the disease more quickly in young adults (generally for those under 50), since the incidence of this type of cancer has almost doubled in recent years. 

Specifically, they found four symptoms to watch out for, as well as several risk factors.

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Colon cancer: the symptoms to watch out for
A revolutionary new study could forever change the way we view, evaluate and monitor colon cancer, one of the most aggressive and terrible diseases known to man. Now in fact, four main symptoms have been pointed out that you need to watch out for in terms of prevention, especially if you are under the age of 50.
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The study
The study was conducted by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and will be useful for diagnosing the disease more quickly in young adults (generally for those under 50), as the incidence of this type of cancer has almost doubled in recent years. The study was published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute.
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Symptoms to pay attention to
The (anonymous) medical insurance data of more than 5000 patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (i.e. developed before the age of 50) were analysed. According to the data, the presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and iron deficiency anaemia between three months and two years prior to the onset of the disease indicate a higher risk for people under 50 years of age.
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How much the incidence increases in the presence of symptoms
According to the data collected and the researchers' projections, even the presence of only one of these symptoms increases the incidence of colon cancer cases under the age of 50. The researchers thus found that the presence of only one symptom almost doubles the risk; two symptoms increase it by more than 3.5 times; and having three or more symptoms by more than 6.5 times.
By Calicut Medical College - DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, CALICUT MEDICAL COLLEGE, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:/
The importance of knowledge and attention. (Pictured: micrograph of colon carcinoma (40X) showing malignant glands. The nuclei are small and vesicular, located in the lower part of the cell. The cells show an increased nucleocytoplasmic ratio).
Senior researcher Yin Cao, associate professor of surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, talks about the importance of awareness of these symptoms: 'Colorectal cancer is not a disease reserved for the elderly; we want young adults to understand and pay attention to these symptoms, which can be very relevant. In particular, people under the age of 50, who are often considered to be at low risk and therefore not routinely screened, need to be especially careful'.
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The risk factors of colon cancer
Cao, too, pointed out that obesity, sitting for long periods of time, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and excessive sugary drinks are among the main risk factors for colon cancer. Returning briefly to symptoms, moreover, rectal bleeding and iron deficiency anaemia are two symptoms that indicate the need for early endoscopy and follow-up.
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The trend between the elderly and the young
According to data compiled by the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colon cancer in elderly patients has fallen thanks to increasingly frequent clinical examinations, but has risen in young people, as this disease is often diagnosed at an already advanced stage, often with fatal outcomes. This is precisely the difference between young and old. Colon cancer in young people is often diagnosed by symptoms in the emergency room, when it is often too late. Recognising these symptoms, Cao concludes, can lead to preventive and early diagnosis, which in most cases saves lives.
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