Oklahoma Doctors Raise Awareness on Rising Colon Cancer Rates Amongst Young People

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Doctors at the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital held an event recently warning people about the rise of colon cancer in young people.

Colon cancer is a growing issue in America. This year, more than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and a third will die.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S., affecting 1 in 24 people.

The majority of patients get their diagnosis after the age of 50, however, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance says 12% of patients are under 50, and that number is rising.

That’s why screenings are important.

Data shows, if caught early, it has a 91% survival rate.

In 2020, the CDC found nearly 70% of colon cancer deaths could have been prevented with screenings.

Colonoscopies are also now suggested starting at 45.

That’s the most common form of screening but there’s at home tests too.

You can even go to quiz.getscreened.org to check your symptoms and health.