Tag: cancer

The Facts About Cold Capping



I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, right around the same time the first FDA-approved cold cap came out. I’d heard about the potential hair-saving helmet on the news, and I crossed all my follicles that it could work for me as I prepared to start chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t a candidate for scalp cooling therapy. Back then, the cooling devices were only approved for early-stage breast cancer and less potent types of chemo. I was stage 3 and taking doxorubicin, also known as the “red devil.” So, yeah, pretty potent stuff.

Although I was disappointed that I couldn’t try cold capping to reduce hair loss during chemo, just knowing it was out there made me hopeful for advancements in cancer treatments. Hair loss may seem like a small thing when talking about disease, but it can be really devastating. One recent report cited up to 14% of women won’t consider chemotherapy because of hair loss.

Cold caps don’t work for everyone, and results vary from person to person depending on a lot of different factors. But new research shows using cold caps can help some people keep a good amount of hair during chemo — even people getting the red devil: In one study, 71.4% of people on doxorubicin saw successful hair retention. That’s a hair flip in the right direction.

If you or someone you know is interested in cold caps for chemo-induced hair loss, here’s what you need to know.

What is cold capping?

Cold capping involves wearing a helmet-like device to lower the temperature of the scalp during chemotherapy. The cold temperature decreases blood flow, which can reduce the amount of chemo that reaches the hair follicles and may reduce hair loss for some people.

What are the types of cold caps?

Scalp cooling therapy includes two types of devices:

  • Automated: The insulated cold cap is hooked up to a machine that circulates cooling liquid or gel inside the cap. Once the device is hooked up, the cooling system will keep the temperature where it needs to be. Automated cold caps are regulated by the FDA.
  • Manual: The frozen gel caps are stored in a freezer or with dry ice. Because the gel will start to warm once it’s on the scalp, a new frozen cap will have to be replaced about every 30 minutes. Manual cold caps are not regulated by the FDA.

How do cold caps work?

Both types of cold caps work by reducing the temperature of the scalp before, during and after chemo.

Typically, the person administering the chemo will help set up the automated cold cap machine and make sure the temperature is correct and that the cap is secured tightly around your head.

People using manual caps also need an outside pair of hands to help with the caps, although it doesn’t have to be a nurse — family or friends can help during treatment.

Who can use cold caps?

People with solid tumors (breast, colon, lung, gynecological) can use cold caps to help reduce hair loss during chemo.

Who shouldn’t use cold caps?

Cooling caps are relatively safe overall, but some people with certain health conditions shouldn’t use cold caps.

For example, people with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma shouldn’t use cold caps because the restricted blood flow may stop the chemo from getting to where it needs to go.

You also shouldn’t use cold caps if you:

  • Have central nervous system cancer
  • Are getting chemo for a bone marrow transplant
  • Had radiation to the head or will have radiation to the scalp

Cold capping is not recommended for people who have cold-agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia and post-traumatic cold dystrophy.

What are the side effects of cold caps?

Cold caps live up to the name, so if you’re sensitive to cold temperatures, you may feel uncomfortable during the sessions. Other side effects of cold capping can include:

  • Dry skin
  • Feelings of claustrophobia when wearing the cap
  • Headache attacks
  • Nausea
  • Cold thermal injury (burn) from manual caps

Do I need a prescription for scalp cooling therapy?

Whether you need a prescription depends on which type of cold cap you want to try. The automated systems require a prescription, and the manual systems do not. Always be sure to ask your healthcare provider before using any type of scalp cooling device.

Is cold capping covered by insurance?

Manual frozen caps are not covered by insurance, but automated cold caps are covered by Medicare and may be covered by other insurance plans.

If you need help paying for the cooling therapy, nonprofit organizations such as HairToStay and The Rapunzel Project may be able to help cover the cost of cold capping.

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Locations of Head and Neck Cancer



Where does head and neck cancer occur?

Head and neck cancer is cancer in the head or neck region.

Head and neck cancers make up about 4% of all cancers in the United States.

Men are more likely to get head and neck cancer, but it’s also seen in women and never smokers.

There are several different locations where head and neck cancer can occur.

Voice Box (Larynx)

Laryngeal cancer = the voice box (larynx)

Throat (Pharynx)

Hypopharyngeal cancer = the lower throat (next to and behind your voice box)

Oropharyngeal cancer = the middle section of your throat, including your tonsils, soft palate and back of tongue

Nasopharyngeal cancer = the space behind your nose

Mouth

Oral cancer = the mouth, cheeks, lips, front of your tongue and the roof of mouth

Nose and sinuses

Nose (nasal cavity) = the openings behind the nostrils

Sinus (paranasal sinus) cancer = the air-filled spaces around or near the nose

Salivary glands

Salivary gland cancer = the salivary glands, the organs in your mouth and throat that produce saliva

Neck

Head and neck cancers can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing a mass.

Catching head and neck cancer early is important. The survival rate of people with stage 1 or stage 2 head and neck cancer is between 70% and 90% .

If you have questions about head and neck cancer, talk to your healthcare provider.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.



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5 Types of Gynecologic Cancer



Medically reviewed by Blair McNamara, M.D.

Gynecologic cancer is defined as any type of cancer that begins within the reproductive organs of a woman or a person assigned female at birth.

In 2024, there will be an estimated 116,930 new cases, as well as 33,850 deaths from gynecologic cancers in the U.S.

5 Types of Gynecologic Cancer

1. Uterine Cancer

  • Starts in a woman’s uterus
  • The most common type of uterine cancer is called endometrial cancer because it starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus
  • Most common in postmenopausal women

Ways to reduce risk of uterine cancer

Symptoms of uterine cancer

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvic area

Treatment optionsfor uterine cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Clinical trials

Watch: How Endometrial Cancer Is Diagnosed >>

2. Ovarian Cancer

  • Develops in the ovaries or in cells in the far end of the fallopian tubes
  • A woman’s lifetime chance of developing this cancer is 1 in 78
  • Most common in women ages 63 and older

Ways to reduce risk of ovarian cancer

  • Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
  • Get genetic testing and possibly take action if you have a family history

Getting your tubes tied or having a hysterectomy reduces your risk for ovarian cancer, but these procedures are generally recommended only for medical reasons and not solely to prevent cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

  • Bloating, abdominal swelling or weight loss
  • Feeling an urgency to urinate or having to urinate frequently
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Feeling full fast and difficulty eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Period changes
  • Constipation
  • Upset stomach

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted drug therapy

3. Cervical Cancer

Ways to reduce risk of cervical cancer

  • Get the HPV vaccine
  • Use condoms
  • Don’t smoke
  • Get screened regularly, starting at age 21 — Cervical cancer screenings can help catch precancerous or cancerous cells early when the cancer is more treatable and curable

Read: HPV Vaccination Is Cancer Prevention >>

Symptoms of cervical cancer

  • Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why screenings are important
  • Later stage symptoms can include:
    • abnormal vaginal discharge
    • abnormal bleeding
    • bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse

Treatment options for cervical cancer

For precancer (also called cervical dysplasia)

  • Laser ablation: A beam of high-energy light is used to vaporize abnormal tissue
  • Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are frozen
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Abnormal tissue is removed using a wire loop
  • Cone biopsy (also called cold knife conization): A cone-shaped part of the cervix (the bottom and part of the center) is removed

For cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Immunotherapy

4. Vaginal Cancer

  • Starts in the vagina
  • A rare form of cancer, accounting for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract
  • Occurs mainly in older women — the average age of diagnosis is 67
  • Up to 90% of vaginal cancers and pre-cancers are linked to HPV

Ways to reduce riskof vaginal cancer

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after sex
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Painful intercourse
  • Feeling a mass or lump in the vagina
  • Advanced stage symptoms can include painful urination, leg swelling, back pain, pelvic or lower body pain, constipation

Treatment options for vaginal cancer

For precancer

  • Laser ablation: A beam of high-energy light is used to vaporize abnormal tissue
  • Topical therapy: Drugs like chemotherapy drug Fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream can be placed on affected areas

For invasive vaginal cancer

  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy

5. Vulvar Cancer

Ways to reduce risk of vulvar cancer

  • Get an HPV vaccine
  • Use condoms
  • Don’t smoke
  • Keep up with regular pelvic check-ups
  • Perform regular self-exams of the vulva — Hold a mirror up to your vulva and look for changes in skin, like areas that are white, irritated or red, as well as new sores, growths or bumps

Symptoms of vulvar cancer

  • An area of the vulva that looks abnormal — lighter or darker than normal skin, red or pink skin
  • A red, pink, or white bump or lump that may have a wart-like surface or feel rough and thick
  • Itching
  • Thickening of vulvar skin
  • Burning or pain
  • Abnormal bleeding or discharge
  • An open sore that typically lasts for longer than a month

Treatment options for vulvar cancer

  • Topical creams therapy, including chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod
  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy

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Coping with the Cost of Cancer Treatment



Finances are not always the first thing people think of when they get diagnosed with cancer. Top questions may be, What’s the prognosis? What are the treatment options? And who are the best specialists?

But more and more, you also have to grapple with the cost of cancer alongside the physical and emotional aspects of cancer. Those costs can truly add up, often catching people by surprise.

Different types of cancer-related costs

Unfortunately, cancer costs come in many forms.

If you have health insurance, you might expect it to cover all your cancer care costs — and it should cover a lot of them. Direct medical costs include tests, medications, procedures, surgeries and some medical supplies. Insurance is likely to cover these costs if they’re considered “medically necessary.” In other words, if your treatment is in line with standard guidelines for your particular cancer and your healthcare providers (HCPs) believe you need it, it’s more likely your insurance will pay for it.

Yet even if your insurance covers direct medical costs, you may have to get their approval in advance (called “prior authorization”). Getting that approval can be its own headache. If your treatment plan is less common or you want to see an HCP who isn’t in your insurance network, you may not get approval.

Beyond the direct medical costs of your cancer treatment, you may come across many other types of expenses. For example, special foods or nutrition supplements may be important, but insurance doesn’t typically pay for them. Or, while medical care may be covered, home health may not be.

If you have to travel to get your care, across town or far away, you need to factor those costs in, too. Whether you have to pay for parking at a downtown hospital or travel to get specialized care away from home, travel costs can be challenging.

If you’re living with cancer, you may need extra help caring for your children, your parents or your pets. You may need more help in your home or doing errands that you may not be able to do yourself for a time. Caregiver costs can be substantial, and for many, may be out of reach.

Cancer costs may be even harder to manage thanks to “opportunity costs,” the missed opportunities to earn money. If you’re in treatment, you may not be able to work or you may have to scale back your hours. Lost wages or the loss of job-based health benefits can turn financial strain into a crisis. In a 2022 Cost of Cancer study conducted by HealthyWomen and CancerCare, nearly half of people in active treatment experienced some financial setback, and 6% lost their job altogether.

Coping with the stress of cancer-related financial challenges

The first step in managing the very real stress of cancer-related costs is to recognize that you are not alone. HealthyWomen’s Cost of Cancer report showed that paying for cancer costs was stressful for 6 out of 10 people surveyed. Nearly 1 of 2 patients with cancer reported feeling stress, worry and a sense of being overwhelmed because of the direct and indirect costs of cancer care.

It’s also important to ask for help — or allow people to help when they offer. The people in your life very likely want to help, but they may need you to tell them what would be most helpful. Perhaps a neighbor can run errands for you, or a close friend can help you with household chores. These gestures can spare you the cost of hiring someone and give you the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

The emotional strain of a cancer diagnosis is real. The financial parts of cancer only add to those challenges. If you feel anxious, depressed or generally overwhelmed, seeking therapy or other mental health care may also help.

Easing cancer-related financial burdens

Without health insurance, the direct costs of cancer can be crushing. But if you are uninsured, there are ways to get coverage.

If you don’t have health insurance from your job, is there someone in your household who may be able to add you to their coverage? If not, visit the federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) or the Marketplace in your state. If you’ve lost your benefits recently, you may be able to sign up even if it’s not during open enrollment. If you have low or no income, you may qualify for generous subsidies.

Depending on your income and the rules in your state, you may qualify for Medicaid, the state-operated health insurance for people with very low incomes. Similarly, depending on your age and condition, you may be able to sign up for Medicare. These programs offer good coverage and a lot of consumer protections, often for free or with very low costs.

With or without insurance, if you’re struggling to pay for medical care, you may qualify for financial assistance from your hospital or clinic. Hospital financial counselors can often help you navigate the hospital’s financial aid process, which may include a formal application. If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal. Medical facilities will also usually set up a payment plan that lets you pay small amounts over time, sometimes without interest. Be honest about what you can comfortably afford.

If you can’t get financial relief from the hospital or medical center itself, the financial counselor may still be able to help. They might help you get support from local community or religious organizations, or from drug maker co-payment relief programs. Some nonprofits will also help you advocate for yourself or negotiate bills on your behalf.

Finally, many people turn to crowdfunding campaigns to raise the money they need. Whether you launch a formal campaign or seek financial help informally, there’s no denying the power of your community to help you cope with the emotional and financial challenges of cancer.

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Lidiar con el costo del tratamiento contra el cáncer



Las finanzas no siempre son lo primero en lo que piensan las personas cuando reciben un diagnóstico de cáncer. Las preguntas principales podrían incluir, ¿cuál es la prognosis? ¿Cuáles son las opciones de tratamiento? Y ¿quiénes son los mejores especialistas?

Pero cada vez más, también deben considerarse los costos del cáncer además de sus aspectos físicos y emocionales. Esos costos pueden sumar montos importantes y frecuentemente las cuentas suelen sorprender a los pacientes.

Varios tipos de costos relacionados con el cáncer

Desafortunadamente, los costos del cáncer son de varios tipos.

Si tienes un seguro médico, podría esperarse que cubra todos tus costos relacionados con el cáncer, y muchos de ellos deberían estar cubiertos. Los costos médicos directos incluyen pruebas, medicamentos, procedimientos, cirugías y algunos suministros médicos. El seguro médico probablemente cubre estos costos si se considera que son “necesarios desde el punto de vista médico”. Es decir, si tu tratamiento concuerda con las pautas estándar de tu cáncer específico y tus proveedores de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés) creen que los necesitas, es más posible que tu seguro los pague.

Sin embargo, incluso si tu seguro cubre los costos médicos directos, puede que tengas que obtener su aprobación de antemano (denominada “autorización previa”). Obtener esa aprobación puede ser un dolor de cabeza. Si tu plan de tratamiento es menos común o si deseas mantener consultas con un proveedor de atención médica que no es miembro de la red de tu seguro, es probable que no obtengas la aprobación.

Aparte de los costos médicos directos de tu tratamiento contra el cáncer, podrías tener muchos otros tipos de gastos. Por ejemplo, alimentos o suplementos nutricionales especiales podrían ser importantes, pero los seguros comúnmente no los cubren. O, aunque la atención médica esté cubierta, servicios médicos proporcionados en el hogar podrían no estarlo.

Si debes viajar para obtener tu atención médica, al otro lado de la ciudad o a una gran distancia, también debes considerar estos costos. Ya sea que debas pagar por el parqueadero de un hospital en el centro de la ciudad o que tengas que viajar para obtener atención especializada lejos de tu hogar, los costos de viajes pueden ser un desafío.

Si vives con cáncer, podrías necesitar ayuda adicional para el cuidado de tus hijos, de tus padres o de tus mascotas. Podrías necesitar más ayuda en tu hogar o con mandados que tú no podrías hacer durante algún tiempo. Los costos de cuidadores podrían ser considerables y, para muchos, impagables.

Los costos del cáncer podrían ser incluso más difíciles de manejar debido a los “costos de oportunidad”, es decir, las oportunidades que se pierden para ganar dinero. Si estás teniendo un tratamiento, es posible que no puedas trabajar o que tengas que recortar tus horas laborales. La pérdida de salarios o de beneficios médicos de tu trabajo podría transformar una dificultad financiera en una crisis. En un estudio del costo del cáncer de 2022 realizado por HealthyWomen y CancerCare, casi la mitad de personas que recibían tratamiento activamente experimentaron algún tipo de pérdida financiera y el 6% incluso perdieron sus trabajos.

Lidiar con el estrés de las dificultades financieras relacionadas con el cáncer

El primer paso para manejar el estrés muy real de los costos relacionados con el cáncer es reconocer que no estás sola. El informe de los costos del cáncer de HealthyWomen mostró que pagar por los costos del cáncer era estresante para 6 de cada 10 personas encuestadas. Casi 1 de cada 2 pacientes con cáncer reportó sentir estrés, preocupación y presión debido a los costos directos e indirectos de la atención contra el cáncer.

También es importante pedir ayuda o permitir que personas ayuden cuando ofrecen hacerlo. Las personas en tu vida muy posiblemente desean ayudar, pero es posible que ellos necesiten que les digas que sería lo más útil para ti. Tal vez un vecino pueda encargarse de mandados o un amigo cercano podría ayudarte con quehaceres del hogar. Estos gestos podrían ahorrarte el costo de contratar a alguien y podrían darte una sensación de seguridad al saber que no estás sola.

El desgaste emocional de un diagnóstico de cáncer es real. Los aspectos financieros del cáncer solo dificultan más esos desafíos. Si te sientes angustiada, deprimida o generalmente abrumada, obtener terapia u otro tipo de atención de la salud mental también podría ser útil.

Mitigar las cargas financieras relacionadas con el cáncer

Sin un seguro médico, los costos directos del cáncer pueden ser devastadores. Pero si no tienes un seguro médico, hay formas en las que puedes obtener cobertura.

Si no tienes un seguro médico de tu trabajo, ¿hay alguien en tu hogar que pueda agregarte a su cobertura? Si no es así, visita el mercado virtual federal de seguros médicos(Healthcare.gov) o el de tu estado. Si perdiste tus beneficios recientemente, podrías inscribirte incluso si no es durante el período de inscripciones abiertas. Si tus ingresos son bajos o inexistentes, podrías cumplir con los requisitos para subsidios generosos.

Dependiendo de tus ingresos y de las regulaciones de tu estado, podrías cumplir con los requisitos de Medicaid, el seguro médico que maneja tu estado para personas con muy pocos ingresos. Asimismo, dependiendo de tu edad y de tu condición, podrías inscribirte en el programa de Medicare. Estos programas ofrecen buenas coberturas y muchas protecciones para los consumidores, frecuentemente gratis o a costos muy bajos.

Con o sin seguro, si tienes dificultades para pagar por atención médica, podrías cumplir con los requisitos para recibir asistencia financiera de tu hospital o clínica. Asesores financieros del hospital frecuentemente pueden orientarte en el proceso de asistencia financiera del hospital, la cual podría incluir una solicitud formal. Si rechazan tu solicitud, es posible que puedas apelar dicha decisión. Las intervenciones médicas usualmente también establecerán un plan de pagos que te permita pagar montos pequeños cada cierto tiempo, a veces sin intereses. Sé honesta acerca de lo que puedes pagar en forma cómoda.

Si no puedes obtener asistencia financiera del hospital o del centro médico, es posible que el asesor financiero pueda proporcionar otro tipo de asistencia. Podría ayudarte a que recibas apoyo de alguna comunidad local o de organizaciones religiosas, o incluso, de programas de asistencia de copagos del fabricante del medicamento. Algunas organizaciones sin fines de lucro también te ayudarán a defender tus derechos o a negociar cuentas por ti.

Finalmente, muchas personas recurren a campañas de financiamiento colectivo para recaudar el dinero que necesitan. Ya sea que simplemente sea una campaña formal o que trates de obtener asistencia financiera en forma informal, no se puede negar el poder de tu comunidad para ayudarte a lidiar con las dificultades emocionales y financieras relacionadas con el cáncer.

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The Connection Between Young Adults and Colon Cancer



Jill MacDonald, now an ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer, was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) in 2015. “I have been dealing with this for over nine years now,” MacDonald said. “I have been through an unimaginable number of chemotherapy treatments, radiation, surgeries, procedures — the list goes on.”

Initially, MacDonald’s symptoms were dismissed. “I had some night sweats pretty consistently — a little blood in my stool,” she explained. “My abdomen felt a little uncomfortable at times. I had some back pain. My doctor told me it was likely just hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum).”

Unfortunately, MacDonald’s doctor was wrong, and she is one of an increasing number of people receiving a colon cancer diagnosis at a younger age than typical.

Colon cancer, the third most common cancer in the U.S., is more commonly diagnosed in older adults. However, the disease is rising in people under the age of 50 and is now the third deadliest type of cancer in women ages 20–49. And, according to stats from a March 2023 report by the American Cancer Society, approximately 19,550 people under age 50 will be diagnosed with colon cancer. This represents a 9% increase since 2020.

Colorectal cancer that is diagnosed in someone under age 50 is called early-onset colorectal cancer. As more and more younger adults are being diagnosed, physicians and researchers have noticed that they are more likely to develop an aggressive form of the disease and are 40% more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

The five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90%, decreasing to 71% for stage 3 and 14% for stage 4. The five-year survival rate is the percentage of people in a study or treatment who were alive five years after being diagnosed with or starting treatment for cancer.

Delayed diagnosis of colon cancer

Many younger people don’t think of colon cancer as something they could have, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.

“The issue is that they’re diagnosed later than we would otherwise expect in the older population because most young folks don’t think they have cancer,” Nehal J. Lakhani, M.D., Ph.D., the director of Clinical Research at the START Center for Cancer Research Midwest, said. “They’re more likely to not seek medical attention. They may attribute running stool to hemorrhoids or something else.”

In addition, doctors aren’t offering screening for younger adults for early-onset colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force typically recommends that adults ages 45 to 75 receive a colorectal screening. Yet, millennials, who are people born between 1981 and 1996, have twice the risk of colorectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.

“We as physicians failed to recognize symptoms in the younger population because we don’t expect them to have cancer due to our general understanding of the disease,” Lakhani said.

Why are more younger adults being diagnosed with colon cancer?

Researchers aren’t sure what’s behind the increase in younger adults being diagnosed with colon cancer. Genetics can play a role in getting colon cancer at a young age, particularly if you have Lynch syndrome. However, that doesn’t explain the increase. Lifestyle factors, like a lack of exercise or alcohol and tobacco use, and environmental exposure to toxins and chemicals are being considered as possible influences.

Some other theories include:

Red or processed meats: The NCI reports that red or processed meats are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Some examples of specific foods include beef, pork and lamb.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen — the same degree of certainty as cigarette smoking,” Lakhani explained. “Red meat has also been classified as a carcinogen, but in a lower category as a Group 2 carcinogenic.”

Socioeconomic status: A person’s socioeconomic status involves their education, income and job type. People with a lower socioeconomic status may have less access to health resources and poorer health than those with a higher socioeconomic status. That said, younger adults with a lower socioeconomic status may be more likely to get colon cancer.

“If you’re from a lower socioeconomic status, you may not have health insurance,” Lakhani said. “Or you have access to healthcare, but it’s not the best quality of care.”

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer in younger adults

The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon and rectum) can include the following:

  • Blood in stool
  • Dark or black stools
  • Unintentional weight loss

The NCI reports four additional potential warning signs of colorectal cancer in young adults, including:

  • Stomach pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Diarrhea
  • Iron deficiency anemia

How to prevent or lower the risk of colon cancer

Here are a few actions you can take to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

Eat a healthy diet

  • Avoid red or processed meats
  • Add a good amount of fruits and vegetables to your diet
  • Eat a high amount of fiber, between 21–28 grams daily for women, depending on your age

Stay physically active

Advocate for yourself

Because screening is typically recommended for older adults, and healthcare providers (HCPs) may dismiss your symptoms, it is important to advocate for your health.

Read: My Doctor Dismissed My Colon Cancer Red Flags as Normal Pregnancy Symptoms >>

“Being a young patient, you may have to be your own advocate for things to happen in the healthcare system,” Lakhani said. “[If] you’re continuing to have symptoms and you’re not getting them investigated, you might have to push for [medical care].”

If you suspect you have colon cancer, see your HCP quickly and don’t take no for an answer if you want to get screened. Get a second opinion if you feel your HCP isn’t listening to you.

If you do receive a colon cancer diagnosis, Lakhani suggested finding a good oncologist quickly and addressing the problem as early as possible so you can get the best possible results.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.

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La conexión entre adultos jóvenes y el cáncer de colon



Jill MacDonald, embajadora de Fight Colorectal Cancer [Lucha contra el cáncer colorrectal], tenía 37 años cuando le diagnosticaron cáncer colorrectal (también conocido como cáncer de colon) de etapa 4 en 2015. “He lidiado con esto desde hace más de nueve años”, dijo MacDonald. “Me he sometido a un número inimaginable de tratamientos de quimioterapia, radiación, cirugías, procedimientos, etc.”.

Inicialmente, ignoraron los síntomas de MacDonald. “Tenía sudores nocturnos en forma consistente, un poquito de sangre en mis heces”, explicó. “A veces tenía una sensación un poco incómoda en mi abdomen. Tenía dolor de espalda. Mi doctor me dijo que posiblemente eran solo hemorroides (venas hinchadas en el ano y en la parte inferior del recto)”.

Desafortunadamente, el doctor de MacDonald estaba equivocado y ella es una más del número cada vez más grande de personas que reciben un diagnóstico de cáncer de colon a edades más jóvenes que las tradicionales.

El cáncer de colon, el tercer cáncer más común en EE.UU., se diagnostica más frecuentemente en adultos de mayor edad. Sin embargo, la enfermedad está ocurriendo cada vez más frecuentemente en personas de menos de 50 años y ahora es el tercer tipo de cáncer más mortal en mujeres entre las edades de 20 y 49 años. Y, según las estadísticas de un informe de marzo de 2023 de la Sociedad estadounidense contra el cáncer, aproximadamente 19,550 personas de menos de 50 años recibirán un diagnóstico de cáncer de colon. Esto es un incremento del 9% desde 2020.

El cáncer colorrectal que se diagnostica en alguien que tiene menos de 50 años se conoce como cáncer colorrectal de inicio temprano. A medida que cada vez más adultos de menor edad están recibiendo diagnósticos, los médicos y los investigadores han notado que tienen más posibilidades de desarrollar una forma agresiva de la enfermedad y tienen un 40% más de probabilidades de recibir diagnósticos en etapas más avanzadas.

La tasa de supervivencia a cinco años para el cáncer de colon es el 90%, reduciéndose al 71% para la etapa 3 y al 14% para la etapa 4. La tasa de supervivencia a cinco años es el porcentaje de personas en un estudio o tratamiento que todavía están con vida cinco años después de recibir el diagnóstico o de empezar un tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Diagnóstico tardío de cáncer de colon

Muchas personas jóvenes no piensan que el cáncer de colon es algo que puedan tener, lo cual puede causar retrasos del diagnóstico.

“El problema es que reciben el diagnóstico después de lo que se podría esperar para poblaciones de mayor edad porque la mayoría de personas no piensan que puedan tener cáncer”, dijo Nehal J. Lakhani, M.D., Ph.D., director de investigación clínica de START Center for Cancer Research Midwest. “Es más posible que no traten de obtener atención médica. Podrían atribuir sangre en las heces a hemorroides o algo más”.

Además, los doctores no ofrecen examinaciones para adultos jóvenes para cáncer colorrectal de inicio temprano. El equipo de trabajo de servicios preventivos de EE.UU. comúnmente recomienda que adultos entre las edades de 45 y 75 años se hagan pruebas colorrectales. Sin embargo, los mileniales, personas que nacieron entre 1981 y 1996, tienen el doble de riesgo de cáncer colorrectal en comparación con las personas que nacieron en 1950.

“Nosotros, en nuestra calidad de doctores, no reconocemos síntomas de poblaciones más jóvenes porque no esperamos que tengan cáncer debido a nuestra comprensión general de la enfermedad”, dijo Lakhani.

¿Por qué cada vez más adultos jóvenes están recibiendo diagnósticos de cáncer de colon?

Los investigadores no están seguros de la razón detrás del incremento de adultos jóvenes que reciben diagnósticos de cáncer de colon. La genética puede jugar un papel en tener cáncer de colon a una edad temprana, particularmente si tienes el síndrome de Lynch. Sin embargo, eso no explica el incremento. Factores del estilo de vida, tales como falta de ejercicio o el consumo de alcohol y tabaco y exposición medioambiental a toxinas y a químicos se consideran posibles influencias.

Otras teorías son:

Carnes rojas o procesadas: El NCI reporta que las carnes rojas o procesadas se asocian a un mayor riesgo de cáncer colorrectal. Algunos ejemplos de alimentos específicos incluyen la carne de res, cerdo y cordero.

“La Organización mundial de la salud (OMS) clasificó las carnes procesadas como un carcinógeno del grupo 1, el mismo nivel de certeza que fumar cigarrillos”, explicó Lakhani. “La carne roja también se clasificó como un carcinógeno, pero en una menor categoría como un carcinogénico del grupo 2”.

Estatus socioeconómico: El estatus socioeconómico de una persona incluye su educación, ingresos y tipo de trabajo. Personas con un menor estatus socioeconómico tienen menor acceso a recursos médicos y peor salud que personas con un mayor estatus socioeconómico. Con eso en mente, los adultos más jóvenes con un menor estatus socioeconómico podrían tener más posibilidades de tener cáncer de colon.

“Si tienes un menor estatus socioeconómico, podrías no tener seguro médico”, dijo Lakhani. “O podrías tener acceso a atención médica, pero no de la mejor calidad”.

Señales y síntomas de cáncer colorrectal en adultos más jóvenes

Las señales y síntomas de cáncer colorrectal (cáncer en el colon y el recto) pueden incluir las siguientes:

  • Sangre en las heces
  • Heces oscuras o negras
  • Pérdida de peso involuntaria

El NCI reporta cuatro señales adicionales potenciales de advertencia de cáncer colorrectal en adultos más jóvenes, incluyendo:

  • Dolor estomacal
  • Sangrado rectal
  • Diarrea
  • Anemia por deficiencia de hierro

Cómo prevenir o reducir el riesgo de cáncer de colon

Aquí encontrarás algunas medidas que puedes tomar para reducir el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer colorrectal:

Sigue una dieta saludable

  • Evita carnes rojas o procesadas
  • Agrega una buena porción de frutas y vegetales a tu dieta
  • Come un monto alto de fibra, entre 21 y 28 gramos diariamente para mujeres, dependiendo de tu edad

Mantente físicamente activa

Defiende tus derechos

Puesto que las pruebas se recomiendan comúnmente para adultos de mayor edad, y puesto que los proveedores de atención médica (HCP, por sus siglas en inglés) podrían ignorar tus síntomas, es importante que defiendas tus derechos en lo que se refiere a la salud.

Lee: Mi doctor ignoró señales de alerta de mi cáncer de colon porque pensó que eran síntomas normales del embarazo >>

“Si eres una paciente joven, podrías verte obligada a defender tus derechos para aprovechar los beneficios del sistema de salud”, dijo Lakhani. “[Si] sigues teniendo síntomas y no se están investigando, podrías tener que presionar para [obtener atención médica]”.

Si sospechas que tienes cáncer de colon, visita rápidamente a tu proveedor de atención médica y no aceptes un no como respuesta si deseas que te hagan pruebas. Busca una segunda opinión si sientes que tu proveedor de atención médica no te escucha.

Si recibes un diagnóstico de cáncer de colon, Lakhani sugiere que encuentres rápidamente un buen oncólogo y que abordes el problema lo más pronto posible para que puedas obtener los mejores resultados.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Merck.

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Cancer – familydoctor.org


The three most common types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment is aimed at removing the cancer cells or destroying them with medicines or by other means.

Some cancers cannot be cured. Some people choose to focus on quality of life and opt not to have treatment. In these cases, they may rely on palliative and hospice care. Palliative care can help provide comfort and treat symptoms. It can begin as early as diagnosis. Hospice care begins nearer the end of life. That is typically when the person is not expected to survive for more than 6 months.

Surgery

Surgery is a way to physically remove the cancer. Surgery can be very successful in treating some kinds of cancer. But it isn’t an option in all cases. It may be possible to safely remove a tumor and any affected surrounding tissue if:

  • The cancer is in the form of a malignant tumor (a tumor that spreads).
  • The tumor is still in one place (localized).

Surgery may not be possible if:

  • The cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
  • The tumor cannot be removed without damaging vital organs, such as the liver or brain.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells so that they can’t multiply. The radiation is in the form of special X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons. There is usually no pain during this kind of therapy. Depending on the area that is treated, side effects from radiation damage to normal tissues may occur. Your doctor can tell you what to expect. Radiotherapy is sometimes the only treatment needed. It can also be used with other therapies. A combination of surgery and radiotherapy may be used for tumors that grow in one place.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to attack the cancer cells. This treatment sometimes causes a lot of fear because the side effects can be severe. However, not all people experience severe side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy can often be treated with other medicines.

Chemotherapy is usually used when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body. It can also be used in combination with surgery and radiation. Sometimes the tumor is surgically removed. Then chemotherapy is used to make sure any remaining cancer cells are killed.

Other specialized treatments may be available. Your doctor may talk to you about these treatments if they are an option for you.





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