New cancer data was recently released by the American Cancer Society. The January 2024 report highlighted the fact that colorectal cancer rates are increasing among individuals under the age of 50. According to the findings, those diagnoses among people under 55 years have been increasing by 1% to 2% each year since the mid-1990’s. The report also projected that by 2024, approximately 106,590 individuals in the U.S. would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer with an expected death rate of about 53,010 during 2024. Women were estimated to face a 1 in 25 risk, while men were projected to have a 1 in 23 risk. The data also indicated that colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer deaths in men. While the study does not pinpoint a singular cause for the significant rise in rates, lifestyle and dietary factors are acknowledged to contribute.
Despite the concerning statistics, colorectal cancer is a preventable, beatable, and treatable disease when detected in early stages. There are also proactive steps individuals can take to evaluate their risk for cancer. One crucial initial step is to communicate with family members to ascertain if there is a history of colorectal cancer. Another is to follow through with colorectal cancer screening. For those at average risk, the updated screening recommendations now suggest that screening be done starting at age 45.
Do you need to be screened? MNGI Digestive Health provides the highest-quality colonoscopy procedures, considered to be the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection and the only test that allows for polyp removal. To arrange your appointment at one of our many convenient locations, please contact us at (612)-871-1145 or visit our website to request an appointment online at https://www.mngi.com/your-visit/request-or-cancel-appointment.
