The lack of awareness regarding certain lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of colon cancer is concerning and may contribute to the rising rates of the disease, especially among young people. According to a new survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, many Americans do not associate alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, obesity, and poor diet with colon cancer risk.
The survey revealed that over half of the participants did not recognize alcohol use as a risk factor for colon cancer. Additionally, a significant portion of respondents did not associate lack of exercise, obesity, or poor diet with the disease. However, these lifestyle habits have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including colon cancer.
Experts suggest that the lack of awareness of these risk factors could be contributing to the increasing incidence of colon cancer, particularly among young adults. Early-onset cases of colon cancer have been on the rise since the mid-1990s, and young people are less likely to be screened for the disease or seek medical attention for symptoms.
Furthermore, certain demographic groups, such as Black and Hispanic Americans, may be disproportionately affected by colon cancer due to a lack of awareness of risk factors. Advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness of colon cancer risk factors and warning signs could help educate the public and potentially prevent many colon cancer diagnoses.
It’s essential for individuals to be aware of the modifiable risk factors for colon cancer and to recognize warning signs such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes for individuals with colon cancer.