Scientists from the University of Washington named the symptoms the presence of three or more of which increases the risk of early colorectal cancer by 6.5 times. Research published Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The study’s authors analyzed the medical data of more than 5,000 patients who developed colorectal cancer before age 50.
Researchers found that abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia three months to two years before diagnosis showed an increased risk in those younger than 50. Presence of one symptom almost doubled the risk, the presence of two symptoms increased the risk more than 3.5 times, and the presence of three or more symptoms increased the risk more than 6.5 times.
Doctors emphasized that the presence of two symptoms such as rectal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia may indicate the need for a colonoscopy.
The scientists noted that people younger than 50 are considered at low risk and do not receive routine screening for colorectal cancer. In fact, the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has nearly doubled in recent years.
The “danger signs” identified by scientists make it possible to diagnose colorectal cancer two years earlier than the usual approach. Early diagnosis can reduce the need for more aggressive treatment and improve patient quality of life and survival rates.
Previously, the study’s authors had shown that obesity, prolonged sitting, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sugar-sweetened beverages and other risk factors may contribute to the increased incidence of colorectal cancer.