The incidence age group of colorectal cancer is showing a downward trend in Hong Kong, resulting in an increase in the number of patients in their 40s to 50s and even in their 30s. The following four risk factors are responsible for the increased incidence of colorectal cancer and even the trend of younger people getting colorectal cancer.
1. Family history/heredity
About 10% of patients with rectal cancer have a family history, and about 2 to 5% of them are caused by genetic factors. The most common genetic factor is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The disease causes thousands of polyps to grow in the intestinal mucosa, and polyps can easily develop into cancer, usually in people under 40 years old. Therefore, if anyone in your family has this disease or colorectal cancer, it is recommended to have regularcolorectal exams.
2. Obesity
According to epidemiological statistics, obese people have an increased risk of rectal cancer compared with people of normal weight. It is recommended that the BMI (Body Mass Index) should be maintained below 27, and the body fat rate of adult men should be lower than 25%, preferably below 23%; the body fat rate of adult women should be below 30%, preferably below 27%. As for waist circumference, adult men's waist circumference should be at least less than 90 cm, while women's waist circumference should be less than 80 cm to be considered normal.
3. Sitting for long periods of time
Today's work situation requires many people to sit at a desk all day long, often for more than ten hours, which also results in a lack of intestinal movement. The rectum in particular is responsible for storing feces, and if feces remains in the intestine for a long time, it increases the risk of bowel cancer.
4. Pressure
Stress can cause endocrine disruption and increase the risk of cancer. Stressful conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and other problems, often lead to diarrhea, bloating, constipation, etc. These symptoms can cause long-term irritation to the intestines and can easily lead to polyps, which can then develop into cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone pay attention to their stress index to prevent cancer.
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