Colorectal Cancer Threatening Young Adults... Manage Diet and Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

South Korea Ranks 1st Worldwide in Colorectal Cancer Incidence Among Ages 20-49
Only Those Over 50 Undergo Fecal Occult Blood Test, Making Early Detection Difficult for Younger Adults

Regular endoscopic examinations are important for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Photo by Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] The incidence rate of colorectal cancer among adults under 50 in South Korea has been found to be the highest in the world. Young people often overlook mild symptoms of colorectal cancer, making early detection difficult. For this reason, experts advise preventing colorectal cancer through dietary management and seeking immediate medical attention if suspicious symptoms occur.

According to a paper published in the domestic medical journal 'Lancet,' the incidence rate of colorectal cancer among 20- to 49-year-olds in South Korea was 12.9 per 100,000 people, ranking first among 42 countries surveyed. The annual average increase rate of young colorectal cancer patients was also the highest at 4.2%.

Currently, colorectal cancer screening in South Korea is recommended starting at age 50, and only those aged 50 and above undergo fecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer as part of the national health insurance health checkup. Because of this, early detection of colorectal cancer in younger generations is difficult, and many are diagnosed after symptoms appear.

Typical symptoms of colorectal cancer include bloody stools, weight loss, thinner stool diameter, constipation, and abdominal pain. However, people in their 20s and 30s often attribute abnormal bodily symptoms to hemorrhoids or consider them minor issues caused by fatigue, excessive drinking, or overeating. Nevertheless, if diarrhea or constipation occurs frequently, colorectal cancer should be suspected.

Experts say that young people need to actively improve their lifestyle habits, such as dietary management, to prevent colorectal cancer. It is advisable to reduce total calorie intake and consume fish or chicken rather than processed or red meat. Eating foods high in fiber and calcium is also helpful.

Since lower physical activity increases the risk of colon cancer, office workers who sit all day should increase physical activity through exercise. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking is essential. Alcohol consumption especially increases the risk of colorectal cancer in men, and smoking is known to increase the risk of both adenomas and colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer can be completely cured with simple treatment if detected early. Stage 1 colorectal cancer has a favorable prognosis, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 93.9%. Additionally, if the cancer is confined to the mucosa or has only shallow invasion into the submucosa, treatment can be done through endoscopic resection alone.

Stage 2 and 3 colorectal cancers require complete surgical removal of the affected area. Treatment methods for stage 4 colorectal cancer vary greatly depending on the extent of cancer progression, location, and number of metastatic lesions, but with combined treatments, the 5-year survival rate for stage 4 patients can be increased up to 40%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.