Local health providers are encouraging people to stay up to date on colon cancer screenings during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as doctors continue to see more cases diagnosed in younger adults.
Providers at Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center say colon cancer remains a serious health concern, particularly for people under the age of 50. According to health experts, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women under 50.
Speaking on Sioux County Radio’s The Daily Grind last week, family nurse practitioner Wyatt Cook says researchers believe several factors could be contributing to the rise in younger cases.
In response to those trends, screening guidelines have changed in recent years. Health experts now recommend that most people begin colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50.
Kim Davelaar, quality coordinator at Promise Community Health Center, says many people are still unaware that the recommended screening age has changed.
Doctors say people should also be aware of risk factors such as family history. Davelaar says that it can play a major role in determining when someone should begin screening.
Cook says some early stages of colon cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but people should still pay attention to changes in their bodies. Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, can sometimes signal a potential problem and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Doctors say several screening options are available, including colonoscopies, Cologuard tests, and FIT tests. Davelaar says the most important step is simply getting screened.
People with questions about colon cancer screening can contact Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center at 712-722-2170.
