- In Switzerland, more and more people under 50 are being diagnosed with colon cancer.
- Researchers explain this, among other things, with the preventive examinations only recommended from the age of 50.
- An earlier diagnosis can be life-saving.
- Colonoscopies, stool tests, but also regular visits to the toilet can contribute to this.
It’s more than just an impression: in Switzerland More and more young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer. While the number of cases among people over 50 is falling, those among those under 50 have been increasing for years. This is the result of a study by researchers from Geneva, who attribute the development to, among other things, “diagnostic delays”. What the Geneva researchers think: Colon cancer screening tests are only recommended in this country from the age of 50. And so too late, according to the team.
That’s why colon checks over 50 are too late
If colon cancer is discovered late, the disease is usually already advanced (see box) and can be fatal. This was recently shown Death of US actor James Van Der Beek. However, if colon cancer is diagnosed early, it is curable in many cases, writes the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ).
That’s why colon cancer is so treacherous
Colonoscopies “are the gold standard”
Christoph Schlag, head physician at the Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the USZ, emphasized the importance of colon cancer prevention four years ago in conversation with 20 minutes. She could decide about life and death.
He recommends Colonoscopies as a precaution for colon and rectal cancer. “They are the gold standard today.” For various reasons. On the one hand, polyps could already be discovered. On the other hand, you can also remove them straight away.
Stool tests? “They’re better than nothing”
Another type of check that is sometimes recommended are so-called stool tests. To them BBC journalist Deborah Jones advised on her deathbed. She, too, was diagnosed with colon cancer well before her 50th birthday. But according to Schlag, stool tests are not as good as colonoscopies. Because these tests only sound the alarm when the cancer has progressed further and “the polyp is already relatively large”. But according to Schlag, the tests are not free: “That is Better than doing nothing at all.” These should be carried out approximately every two years.
You should take these signs seriously yourself
Even if colon cancer develops in secretthere are warning signs that could point to him. The USZ lists the following symptoms:
- changed bowel habits such as blood or mucus in or on the stool, diarrhea alternating with constipation, no evacuation despite the urge to defecate, pencil-thin or tar-black colored stool
- recurring or persistent stomach pain as well as Digestive problems
- unexplained weight loss
- Anemia (Anemia): This is manifested by tiredness, reduced performance and pale skin. Looking in the eye can also help.
- persistent fatigue
- Nausea, lack of appetite, feeling of fullness
- Fever without any signs of cold
Colon cancer is more rarely manifested by “persistent itching in the anal area, for example if there is a tumor near the anus or the mucous membrane is irritated,” according to the USZ. Recurring canker sores in the mouth could also be a sign. However, not every occurrence of one of the above-mentioned symptoms immediately means a diagnosis of colon cancer: “Everyone has digestive problems at some point.” But if these persist or recur, this is something that should be checked by a doctor. That’s why the hospital gives a very simple piece of advice: “Take a look in the toilet after every bowel movement.”
Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with colon cancer?
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Fee Anabelle Riebeling (fee) has been working for 20 minutes since 2014. She is deputy. Head of Knowledge, History & Digital and Head of the Fact Check & Verification expert committee.
