FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newswise — Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. While most cases affect people over 50 years old, there has been an increase in cases among younger people. According to research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, compared with people born in 1950 to 1954, people born between 1980 and 1984 are approximately twice as likely to get colorectal cancer, and those born between 1990 and 1994 are three times as likely.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and low iron levels.
Many people will not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Regular screening for colorectal cancer is the best way to catch it early. Screening can reduce both the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer through early detection and removal of precancerous growths.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine are available to discuss the importance of regular screenings for early detection.
Colorectal Cancer Experts
- Olaya Brewer Gutierrez, M.B.B.S.
- Zachariah Foda, M.D., Ph.D.
- Alodia Gabre-Kidan, M.D., M.P.H.
- David Alejandro Muniz Pedrogo, M.D., M.S.
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