Colorectal cancer affecting younger patients, AdventHealth physician says get screened

Dr. John Monson, colorectal surgeon and executive medical director of digestive health and surgery institute at AdventHealth Central Florida, recently spoke to WMFE’s Joe Mario Pedersen about a national trend he’s seeing unfold in Central Florida – an increase in colorectal cancer in younger patients.

THE BIG PICTURE:
Colorectal cancer is the third deadliest cancer for men and women in the United States and is increasing among younger individuals, according to a recent study by the American Cancer Society.

"The problem with colorectal cancer - the outcome, the treatment, and the survival are totally dependent on the stage at the time of diagnosis. Stage one cancer is almost 100% curable, and stage four cancer is most certainly nothing like that," Monson said.

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Dr. Monson encourages those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, not to ignore red flags such as weeks of rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Instead, get screened.

"If there is no underlying disease, as far as they're aware, they're perfectly fit and healthy with no symptoms, 45 is fine (to get screened)," Monson said. "But if you develop symptoms, any of the symptoms mentioned…all bets are off at that point."

GO DEEPER:

Other factors, such as family history and lifestyle choices seem to play a part in driving the younger trend as well. To learn more read the full article by clicking here.