COLON CANCER IN YOUNGER ADULTS: KNOW THE RISKS

MEDICAL FOCUS

Colon Cancer in Younger Adults: Know the Risks

It may be hard to believe that colon cancer could develop in your 20s, 30s or 40s — but the risks are real. In 2020, the death of actor Chadwick Boseman at age 43 from colon cancer underscored the threat of colon cancer to younger adults. With colon cancer increasing in younger adults, it’s important to raise awareness about the risks and be proactive about prevention and early detection.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 12% of all new colon cancer cases in the U.S. will be diagnosed in patients younger than 50. “Lifestyle factors, such as having a poor diet and being overweight may be contributing to the increase in cases in younger adults; however, much is not known yet,” said Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “Adults ages 50 and older are still the highest risk group for colon cancer, but the risk of colon cancer for younger adults is rising faster.”

Lower Your Risks

“Some of the factors that increase your risk for colon cancer are beyond your control,” said Nautiyal. “However, you have the power to make healthy lifestyle choices to help reduce your risk.” Nautiyal recommends the following: • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help prevent colon cancer. • Avoid highly processed foods. Lunch meats and foods containing added chemicals and preservatives may increase colon cancer risk. Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D., • Exercise regularly. Having a sedentary Hematologist-Oncologist. lifestyle has been linked to colon cancer. • Lose weight. Being overweight or obese can also increase the risk of colon cancer. • Quit tobacco and limit alcohol. Both are linked to many cancers including colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Early screenings and detection of colorectal cancer make it possible to find the disease early when it’s more treatable. The National Cancer Institute recommends colorectal cancer screening, including a colonoscopy, starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer. If you have an increased risk for colorectal cancer, screening should start before age 45. You may be at increased or high risk for colon cancer if you have:

Watch For Warning Signs

Colon cancer is more likely to be overlooked in younger people and tends to be more aggressive, so it’s important to get checked out if you have concerns. Some of the warning signs include:

• Rectal bleeding • A change in bowel habits • Unusual abdominal pains • Unexpected weight loss.

• A strong family history of colon cancer • A personal history of colorectal polyps • A hereditary syndrome that increases your risk • Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease • Radiation to your abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nautiyal or another hematologist-oncologist, call 281.276.5200. Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

How do you know if you have a strong family history of colon cancer? Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer increases your risk. The risk goes up if your relative was diagnosed before age 50 or more than one relative was diagnosed.

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By Steve Kursar

2022 FORD BRONCO

The 2022 Ford lineup brings back one of the iconic nameplates for the automaker and does so in spectacular fashion. Ford Motor Company took its time bringing back the legendary 4x4, and it was worth the wait. The all-new Bronco will not disappoint anyone who is looking for a true off-roading machine that will look good and handle well whether you’re on a tough rock-crawling expedition or just heading to the Galleria.

The original first-generation Bronco appeared in dealer showrooms back in 1965 and was a very basic 4x4, with a simple, boxy two-door design. The Bronco was introduced long before the SUV craze took over American car buyers, but it was popular with a niche group of owners. That original design played a huge part in influencing the design of this newest Bronco generation.

A base 2022 Bronco comes with an MSRP price tag of 28,500, about $1,000 less than a base Jeep Wrangler. All Broncos are available as two or four-door models and with two engine and two transmission options. The base engine is a 300 hp, 2.3 liter Ecoboost in-line four-cylinder that can be mated to the seven-speed manual transmission or an optional ten-speed automatic transmission. That seventh speed on the manual is actually a super-low geared crawl gear that’s engineered to get you safely through an extreme rocky trail.

For an extra $1,896, you can outfit your Bronco with the more powerful engine available, a 330 hp, 2.7 liter Ecoboost V6 that can only be mated to the available ten-speed transmission. Both powertrains get understandably mediocre EPA estimated fuel economy numbers with the four-cylinder model getting 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway and the V6 getting 17 mpg for both city and highway. But, don’t even contemplate getting a Bronco if saving gas is your big priority, because the Bronco is built for fun and should be driven with that in mind.

There are six trims offered, each with interesting names like Sasquatch and Wildtrak. Just know that every Bronco is built to take whatever trail you decide to drive.

The newest Ford Bronco is exactly what it should be and kudos to Ford for getting it right. Whatever trim you choose, it’ll put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel whether you take it out to get dirty or you keep it shiny.