Colorectal cancer awareness among people 45 and under

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- According to health experts at the University of Kentucky, colorectal cancer is increasing among people younger than 45. This discovery is motivating many institutions and medical groups to take action and do more research.

Dr. Abinash Bhakta, an Associate Professor of Surgery in the division of Colorectal Surgery says, “The crux of all of our research is going towards is figuring out why colorectal cancer, which was usually historically, more associated with older individuals. Now it’s becoming more and more common for patients under the age of 45, in their 20s and 30s. The rises astronomically high.”

The symptoms can be very different, and doctors are encouraging people to be proactive. Some less obvious symptoms include anemia, but there are also other harmful symptoms people should be aware of.

Dr. Bhakta also tells us, “what the signs and symptoms they vary. Typically, they’re related to bleeding from your rectum, bleeding within the blood, within the stool. It can be unintentional weight loss. Where you losing weight? Not even knowing it.”

The topic may be uncomfortable, but if this is discussed more… it could save a life.

He says, “it’s not something that we typically like to talk about at the dinner table. But it’s something that if we don’t recognize it, we’re never going to be able to tackle this problem and, and take care of it.”

Dr. Bhakta also recommends limiting alcohol consumption and smoking to reduce the risk.