Colorectal Cancer Incidence Among 2030 Generation Reaches World-Leading Levels; Watch for Bloody Stools and Weight Loss

As the number of colorectal cancer patients in their 20s and 30s has recently surged, attention from the younger generation is being required. In particular, South Korea is cited as one of the countries with the highest colorectal cancer incidence rates in the world among those between the ages of 25 and 49. Professor Shin Roo-mi of the Department of Surgery at SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center emphasized in the video that early detection is difficult because colorectal cancer often progresses without self-perceivable symptoms.

It is difficult to distinguish between hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer by blood color alone

Many people tend to think that bright red blood indicates hemorrhoids, while dark red blood indicates colorectal cancer, but this is not a verified standard. According to a video from SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, in a study of 180 colorectal cancer patients under the age of 50, 6 out of 10 patients visited the hospital due to anal bleeding. Among them, it was common for many to delay treatment after mistaking it for hemorrhoids, only to eventually be diagnosed at stage 3 or higher.

The presenter advises that rather than judging simply by the color of bloody stools, one should look for other physical changes together. If there are symptoms such as weight loss, changes in bowel habits, anemia, or something felt in the abdomen, one must visit a hospital for an examination. Since hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can exist simultaneously, professional confirmation is necessary whenever bloody stools appear, regardless of age.

The difference between family history and hereditary colorectal cancer, and prevention rules

Colorectal cancer is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It has been found that about 30% of all patients have a family history. If one person in the immediate family is a colorectal cancer patient, the individual's risk increases by 2 times, and if there are 2 or more, it increases by up to 4 times. This is because not only genetic issues but also dietary habits and living environments are shared. On the other hand, 'hereditary colorectal cancer' caused by specific genetic abnormalities accounts for about 5% of all cases.

In cases of family history, the timing of screening is important. If there is a patient among immediate family members, colonoscopies should begin from age 40, and if a family member was diagnosed at a young age, it is recommended to perform a colonoscopy every 5 years, starting 10 years earlier than that age.

The most certain way to prevent colorectal cancer is to excise polyps immediately through regular colonoscopies. Along with this, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, appropriate physical activity, and weight management should be carried out in parallel. In particular, excessive consumption of red meat or processed meat can be a risk factor, so a dietary habit of consuming sufficient dietary fiber is recommended.