Doctor gives WARNING about a specific cancer with a high death rate
In this DML Report…
Dr. David Liska, a colorectal cancer specialist at Cleveland Clinic, reports a significant rise in early-onset colorectal cancer among people under 50 in the U.S. and globally, with data showing a near doubling of cases in this age group over the past 25 years. Research from Dr. Suneel Kamath’s team at Cleveland Clinic, involving plasma samples from 64 colorectal cancer patients, found elevated levels of metabolites from red and processed meat in younger patients’ blood, suggesting these compounds may fuel cancer growth by hijacking healthy cells’ energy. Obesity is also a factor, as visceral fat around organs like the colon triggers inflammation that promotes tumor development, though many young patients lack traditional risk factors like smoking, poor diet, or excess weight, pointing to complex environmental influences still under investigation.
The disease presents unique challenges for younger patients, who often face late-stage diagnoses due to delayed detection—early symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal discomfort are frequently dismissed as benign. Dr. Liska notes that while over 90% of patients survive if caught early, survival drops to 13% once the cancer spreads, emphasizing the need for vigilance among both patients and doctors. Treatment can impact reproductive and sexual health, requiring discussions with fertility specialists, especially since many in this age group aim to start families, unlike older patients traditionally affected by the disease.
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To address this growing public health issue, Dr. Liska advocates for tailored screening, particularly for those with family history or genetic risks, and stresses the role of diet in prevention—reducing red and processed meat while increasing fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Social work support is critical to help young patients manage financial and emotional burdens of care. Ongoing research aims to pinpoint environmental triggers and refine strategies to curb the rise of colorectal cancer in younger adults, with experts calling for a multidisciplinary approach at specialized centers to improve outcomes and quality of life for survivors.