[Click! Health] September, the 'Month of Colorectal Cancer'... Screening Is Essential Even for the Young

September is designated as "Colon Cancer Awareness Month" by the Korean Society of Coloproctology to raise awareness about the risks of colon cancer. Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the colon and rectum. According to the 2021 National Cancer Registry statistics, it ranks as the third most common cancer in South Korea, following thyroid cancer and lung cancer.

In particular, recent studies have shown a significant increase in colon cancer cases among younger people, highlighting the need for caution regarding "young-onset colon cancer." According to research published last year by a team from the University of Colorado Medical Center in the international medical journal The Lancet, South Korea has the highest incidence rate of colon cancer among people aged 20 to 49, known as "young-onset colon cancer." The incidence rate was 12.9 per 100,000 population, ranking first among 42 countries surveyed. Data from the National Health Insurance Service's 2021 colon cancer treatment status also showed that out of 148,410 total patients, 14,262 were under 50 years old, accounting for about 10%.

Dr. Bu Ji-won, Head of the Gastroenterology Department at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, explained, “The prevalence of colon diseases such as colon polyps and inflammatory bowel disease, which can develop into colon cancer, is increasing among younger people. If you experience symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or weight loss, it is necessary to undergo screening regardless of age.”

[Photo by Himchan Hospital]

While genetic predisposition cannot be ignored in colon diseases, over 80% of causes are environmental factors. Excessive consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise are typical environmental factors related to poor dietary and lifestyle habits. If you frequently consume instant foods, have irregular eating habits, and are exposed to excessive stress, your risk of developing colon cancer at a young age increases, so caution is necessary.

Colon cancer is difficult to detect early because initial symptoms are often not apparent. Persistent unexplained abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements are signs of poor colon health. If you have a family history of colon cancer, dark red blood in stools, mucus-laden stools, or changes in bowel habits, it is advisable to undergo a detailed examination. Anyone over 50 years old can receive a free fecal occult blood test once a year, and if abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy is also available free of charge. However, regardless of age, if symptoms appear in younger individuals, it is best to get tested immediately. Recently, the United States has lowered the recommended screening age to 45, encouraging early screening among younger people.

To prevent colon cancer, it is important to remove colon polyps, which are one of the main causes of the disease. According to the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, removing polyps alone can reduce the incidence of colon cancer by more than 70-90% and lower the mortality rate by over 50%. It usually takes 10 to 15 years for polyps to develop into cancer, so with the increase in young-onset colon cancer, regular early screening starting in the 40s is important.

If polyps that can be removed by endoscopy are found during a colonoscopy, they can be immediately excised and treated. However, if there are three or more polyps or if the polyps are larger than 1 cm, it is recommended to have another colonoscopy three years after removal.

Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial to preventing colon cancer. High total calorie intake is known to increase the risk of colon cancer, and red meats such as beef, pork, and lamb raise the likelihood of developing the disease. It is better to avoid overeating and consume fish or chicken instead of processed or red meats. Eating foods rich in fiber and calcium also helps prevent colon cancer. Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that increases colon cancer risk, and smoking also raises the incidence of colon polyps and colon cancer, so reducing or quitting these habits is advisable. Obesity and lack of exercise also increase the likelihood of polyp formation, so it is necessary to exercise consistently for at least 30 minutes three times a week and manage body weight.

Dr. Bu Ji-won of Incheon Himchan General Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department stated, “If polyps or colon cancer are detected early during a colonoscopy and treated, a near-complete cure can be expected. However, treatment depends on the timing of detection, so do not be complacent because of youth; undergoing screening at the appropriate time is the best way to prevent colon cancer.”