The Texas Medical Association (TMA) has released a new guide encouraging people to discuss colorectal cancer screening with their physicians, citing an increase in cases among younger adults.
“We want to raise awareness of signs and symptoms, so patients know when to seek care,” said Andy Chen, MD, a member of the TMA Committee on Cancer. “We want to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s own risk – knowing one’s own family history and knowing the big contributing factors. Most importantly, we want to promote early detection and early screening.”
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, often starting as benign polyps that can become cancerous over time. In both Texas and the United States, it is the third most diagnosed cancer for men and women and is currently the second leading cause of cancer death overall. Projections indicate it could become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people aged 20 to 49 by 2030.
Data shows that since 2011, cases of early onset colorectal cancer—diagnosed in individuals under age 50—have risen by two percent annually. Mortality rates for this group have also increased by one percent each year since 2005. Dr. Chen described this as an “alarming increase in colorectal cancer in young people.” He added, “The saddest part about taking care of young cancer patients is seeing the delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment because of their young age.”
The TMA guide highlights colonoscopy as the only screening method that can both detect existing cancers and prevent them by removing pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure.
Physicians are advising patients who experience symptoms associated with colorectal cancer to consult their doctors regarding possible screening. The guide outlines common warning signs and suggests preventive steps such as avoiding tobacco use, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, increasing intake of high-fiber foods, and reducing red meat consumption.
Dr. Chen emphasized that early detection can save lives regardless of whether patients are high-risk or experiencing symptoms. “I hope after reading this one-pager, people will be encouraged to talk to their physicians about colorectal cancer screening,” he said.
TMA represents more than 59,000 physician and medical student members across Texas through its headquarters in Austin and its network of county medical societies. The association’s mission since its founding in 1853 has been to improve health outcomes for Texans.
