Modern day diets and fungus are among the reasons behind new statistics suggesting cases of colon cancer could double within the next few years. The data suggests people under 40 will be those affected by the steep rise by 2030, The Mirror reports.
Experts warn people should not be taking lightly certain symptoms most associated with the disease. It is not clear what is causing the rise in cases, but research presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology showed that the fungus Cladosporium can be seen more commonly in young people with colon tumours.
Experts think the fungus might be responsible for damaging DNA, turning them into cancerous cells, but it is unclear if this is the case.
What are the key signs to look out for?
- Experts warn that the main symptom of colon cancer is blood in the stool.
- Bowel habits, such as ongoing constipation or diarrhoea can also be a symptom - and any changes which cannot be typically accounted for could be a warning sign.
- A persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement even after going to the bathroom should also be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Abdominal pain without a known cause, especially if it doesn't go away, is severe, or occurs frequently, could also be a symptom of colon cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and it is important to seek medical attention for unusual or persistent belly pain.
The co-director of gastrointestinal medical oncology at the University of Colorado Medicine, Dr Christopher Lieu, said: "We don't know why this trend is being seen in numerous countries that have different diets and exposures and environmental factors."
Speaking at a cancer conference in Chicago on Saturday, he said: "This is a humongous issue." Lieu, using data from JAMA Surgery, estimated that there will be a 90 percent increase in colon cancer for people aged 20 to 34 by 34.
Read more on the symptoms, causes and treatments of bowel cancer on the NHS website here.
