University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center researcher analyzed data from more than 393,000 individuals diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between 1975 through 2010 via National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Researchers predicted the rates of colon cancer based on trends they observed in the data, according to American Cancer Society.
Here are five takeaways from the study:
1. Researchers project the incidence rates among people ages 20 years to 34 years will increase by 90 percent for colon cancer and 124.2 percent for rectal cancer by 2030.
2. For those individuals ages 35 years to 49 years, researchers predict the incidence rates will increase by 27.7 percent for colon cancer and 46 percent for rectal cancer.
3. Obesity is a huge factor for colon and rectal cancer with obesity rates rapidly increasing in the United States.
4. The American Cancer Society is currently updating the guidelines for colon and rectal cancer screenings.
5. Young adults can take certain measures to lower their risk for developing colon and rectal cancer. Such measures include maintaining a healthy weight, learning about your family history and taking any symptom seriously.
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