Study: Colon Cancer Affects 1 in 7 Patients Under 50

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People younger than age 50, the age at which doctors recommend screening, are being diagnosed with colon cancer, according to a new analysis, Time reports.

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer.

“Colon cancer has traditionally been thought of as a disease of the elderly,” said study lead author Dr. Samantha Hendren, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The study shows 1 in 7 colon cancer patients is under 50, and “younger patients tend to be in more advanced stages of the disease. “

“This study is really a wake up call to the medical community that a relatively large number of colon cancers are occurring in people under 50,” Hendren said.

Healthier diets can help, especially at a young age.

Yet fast food and corner stores outnumber supermarkets and farmers’ markets in many neighborhoods. This results in overconsumption of unhealthy foods, and more risk of obesity.

To find solutions, check out the Salud America! Better Food in the Neighborhood research package on the latest science and recommendations on healthy food options for families.