In 2017, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute stated that among young people aged 20-50 years, the incidence of rectal cancer is increasing. The institute used SEER registration data from the National Cancer Institute for over 35 years. In addition, the researchers also predict that by 2030, the incidence of colon cancer and rectal cancer will increase by 90% and 124% among adults aged 20-34! The number of people between the ages of 35 and 49 will increase less, 28% and 46% respectively.
In the past two decades, although the increase in obesity and meat consumption has been associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, reports of newly developing colon and rectal cancer show an average annual decrease of about 2.7%. Smoking is another factor that increases the risk of precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer. Although the proportion of smokers fell from 21% in 2005 to 17% in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is believed that the majority of colorectal cancer risk reduction is due to improved screening and monitoring of patient risk.
For individuals, knowledge is the key. It is important to pay attention to your health. It is important to understand the family history of rectal cancer and other cancers as much as possible. In addition, we must minimize the factors that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, such as excessive obesity, red meat consumption, processed foods, and smoking.
Factors that reduce the risk of colorectal cancer:
■ Dietary fiber: Previous evidence shows that dietary fiber can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, and this report is further supplemented by reporting that 90 grams of whole grains per day can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 17%.
■ Whole grains: For the first time, the AICR / WCRF study independently linked whole grains and colorectal cancer. The intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
■ Exercise: Exercising can reduce the risk of colon cancer (but there is no evidence to reduce the risk of rectal cancer).
■ Others: Limited evidence suggests that fish, foods containing vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, spinach, etc.), multivitamins, calcium, and dairy products can also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
