Colon, rectal cancers have doubled in young

Colon, rectal cancers have doubled in young

SALEM

Recent studies by the American Cancer Society show that rates of colon and rectal cancer among people between 20 and 49 have doubled, causing ACS to lower its recommended screening age for colorectal cancer for healthy people to begin at 45, rather than waiting until they are 50, said Peter Apicella, board certified radiologist and chief of radiology at Salem Regional Medical Center.

The society reviewed 25 years of data and found that with the success of colon cancer screening beginning at 50, the rate of colon cancer in people older than 50 has declined. The rate of colon cancer in otherwise healthy people younger than 50, however, has increased by more than 50 percent.

The cause for this increase in colon cancer is not known, but it may include obesity, a lack of exercise and eating processed foods, health officials said.

Colon cancer, which affects the large intestine located in the lower part of a person’s digestive system or in the rectum, is the fourth most common type of cancer diagnosed in U.S. adults and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind lung cancer, Apicella said.

Are you sleeping well?

BOARDMAN

Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman, 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, Southbridge West Complex, is offering a free natural health seminar, “Getting a Restful Night’s Sleep,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders or sleep deprivation, said Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND, who will discuss natural ways to help achieve restful, restorative sleep. For information or to make the required reservation, call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com.

Diabetes classes

AUSTINTOWN

The Mahoning County District Board of Health is offering the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program, which is for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.

The program encourages small lifestyle changes while learning about diabetes and the way it affects health. DEEP is an interactive small-group workshop that takes place once a week for six weeks.

The workshop is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 11 and ending Aug. 15 at the board of health, 50 Westchester Drive. The program is free, but registration is required. For information or to register, call Tracy Styka, community health education specialist, at 330-270-2855, ext. 109.