Spike In Implementation Cancer Cases Among Gen X And Millennials, Recognize The Early Symptoms

Illustration of cancer in the digestive tract (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Cancer cases in the digestive organs are now no longer only attacking the elderly. Recent studies show the number of people with cerel tract cancer, such as comorbidities, large intestines, and stomach cancer, increased sharply in the youth group, especially generation X (born 1965 '1980) and millennial (born 1981'1996).

This trend triggers concerns among medical personnel, because many of these young patients were diagnosed late due to symptoms similar to ordinary digestive disorders.

A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the death rate of colon cancer was more than three times that of those born between 1976 and 1984, and even four times higher in those born between 1981 and 1989, compared to previous generations. Similar increases also occur in colon and stomach cancer.

"This trend is worrying and cannot be ignored," said Dr. Andreana Holowatyj, lead researcher of the study, quoted from the CNN page.

He explained that many of these cancers were detected not because of routine screening, but because of acute symptoms that forced patients to go to the hospital.

Cancer in the digestive tract often does not show any distinctive symptoms in the early stages. However, some of the following signs should not be taken lightly:

- Stomach pain is repeated or continuous, especially in the lower right abdomen (in the dead end) case.

- Nausea and vomiting that are not clear are the cause.

- Amal or full feeling in the stomach, although not eating much.

- Changes in the defecation pattern, such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts a long time.

- Weight loss for no apparent reason.

- The presence of blood in feces (both looking bright and dark red).

- Tired and weak quickly, which can be caused by chronic anemia due to internal bleeding.

Dr. Andrea Cercek from Memorial Sloan Ketering Cancer Center added that many young patients do not expect cancer because they feel healthy.

"Often they eat quite well, exercise regularly, but forget that stress, sleep patterns, and environmental exposure also play a role," he said.

While there is not yet a definite cause, experts suspect several factors, namely high-fat and low-fiber diet, obesity (obesity), lack of physical activity, exposure to chemicals or pollutants, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, to chronic stress and the habit of harboring emotions.

"Generations now live in high pressures and rhythms of life, which have a direct impact on body health," explained Dr. Holowatyj.

He also emphasized that there is no routine screening method for bowel cancer, so prevention and vigilance are key.

Although this cancer is still rare, the increase in cases shows the need for changes in perspective on health. Early examinations, such as colonoscopy for colon cancer, are recommended especially for those with a family history.

Chris Williams, a dead end cancer survivor, reminded the importance of hearing signals from the body.

"If I don't go to the hospital when I feel pain, maybe I won't be there today." he said.

Now, he is voicing about the importance of physical and mental health, especially among young men.