Abrazo stresses importance of education and screenings!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to stress the importance of education and screenings, especially among millennials, those between ages 20 and 39.

While there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why millennials are at a higher risk, a combination of diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, genetics, and environmental factors are likely contributing to the problem — risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.

Dr. Amir Esparza, MD, Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon, emphasizes the need for awareness. “Studies show that colorectal cancer cases in people under 40 have increased by about 2% annually.”

“No matter your age, everyone should be aware of signs and symptoms,” says Dr. Esparza. “Screenings are important to detect problems, such as precancerous polyps, and intervene before these can become deadly.”

The American Cancer Society is now recommening screening colonoscopy starting at age 45. Dr. Esparza says, “Addressing risk factors and improving early detection could help reduce the number of young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer.”

Colon cancer has no single cause. Some individuals have a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to family history, personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited gene changes.

To reduce the risk of colon cancer, the ACS recommends the following lifestyle changes:

• Eat more servings of vegetables and fruits daily. Avoid a diet high in red and processed meats.
• Exercise regularly. The ACS recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity for adults on five or more days of the week.
• Manage your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk for colon cancer, particularly in men.
• Don’t smoke. Substances from smoking can increase the risk of cancer developing in the digestive system, including the colon.