Why Is Colorectal Cancer Rising in Young Adults?

Statistics show that Colorectal Cancer rates in young adults are rising

Since the mid-1990’s, rates for colorectal cancer in people under 50 have been on the rise.   The traditional advice to begin screening at age 50 has since changed, with some organizations changing the recommended screening age to 45 or younger, depending on family history.    According to cancer.gov, an estimated 18,000 people under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, with most of them receiving the diagnosis before their first recommended screening test.

With rates on the rise, researchers are working to discover what factors are leading to this increase among young people and what can be done to help prevent this disease.   As with any disease, awareness is key to prevention and treatment.   Research also seems to indicate that diet, microbiome (gut health), and environmental changes are playing into this rise, but what else can be done?

Click here to read the full article from Cancer.gov.

Learn more about the benefits of a non-invasive Virtual Colonoscopy from Visionary Wellness & Imaging for colorectal cancer screening by clicking here.