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Colorectal Cancer: A Concern for Everyone

Colorectal Cancer: A Concern for EveryoneColorectal Cancer: A Concern for Everyone

Bumrungrad International Hospitalour corporate member, would like to uplift the awareness among our valued members, especially the individuals under 50, about Colorectal Cancer and prioritise your health by undergoing the annual colonoscopies. 

The passing of actor Chadwick Boseman — renowned for his role as the Black Panther — from colon cancer at the age of 43 has brought heightened awareness to the risk of this disease among individuals under 50.

There’s a common misconception that colorectal cancer primarily affects older adults. While rates have decreased among those over 50, they’ve surged for those under 50. At the start of 2023, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that in 2019, 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses were in individuals under 55 — a figure that has doubled since 1995. Additionally, the incidence of advanced cases in this age group has risen by 3% annually, with a corresponding 1% yearly increase in the death rate since 2004.

What’s causing more young people to develop colorectal cancer? There’s no single clear reason, but known risk factors include:

  • Overweight / Sedentary / Processed foods
  • Smoking / Alcohol
  • Chemical exposure
  • Genetics (10-20% of the cases)
  • Chronic inflammation (Crohn’s disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome)

What symptoms should be watched for? Be vigilant for:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Dark/Bloody stool
  • Changes in stool appearance (narrow or pellet-shaped)
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation

Individuals aged 45+ should undergo annual colonoscopies, to screen for abnormalities like polyps. This proactive measure has contributed to the decline in colorectal cancer incidence among those over 50.

Learn more about Colorectal Cancer: https://bhx.one/vFUMNC

 Send us an enquiry today: https://bhx.one/gKDKTT

About Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital in Asia is highly accredited, being the first hospital in Asia to be accredited by the US-based Joint Commission International (JCI) and achieving accreditation five times since 2002. It has also obtained other notable certifications such as the DNV GL MIR Certification for Infection Risk and the Global Healthcare Accreditation with Excellence designation from GHA. Bumrungrad demonstrates high clinical success rates and low infection rates. The hospital’s laboratory is certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the only one in Asia to achieve this level. Additionally, Bumrungrad is the only hospital in Thailand with an internationally-certified lab (ISO 15189) and the first hospital worldwide to achieve Certification of Conformance with GHA COVID-19 Guidelines for Medical Travel Programs. Newsweek ranked Bumrungrad as the best hospital in Thailand for two consecutive years and as one of the top 150 hospitals globally in their World’s Best Hospitals 2022 list.

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