Latest news with #BarryStein
CTV News
12 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Health advocates call for lowering colorectal cancer screening age to 45
Visitors walk through an inflatable colon as the American Cancer Society displayed information urging screening to detect colorectal cancer in Sacramento, Calif., on March 24, 2014. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo) Health advocates are pushing for all provinces and territories to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer to 45 as a growing number of younger adults are getting the disease. 'Our objective is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms just because of their age and that they are aware of their family medical history and risk level, as we call on our provincial and territorial health ministries to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer throughout the country to 45,' said Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, in a statement on Tuesday. Colorectal cancer screening is currently offered for those at 'average-risk' across Canada. Those at average risk are aged 50 to 74 who don't have symptoms and personal or family history of the following: colorectal cancer certain polyps genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's or colitis. Colorectal Cancer Canada, a national non-profit group, said its advice follows the change made to U.S. guidelines in 2018 to include those aged 45 to 49 for screening based on 'evidence-based recommendations' from the American Cancer Society. Australia also reduced the starting age for bowel cancer screening to 45 from 50 in 2024. What is the risk? Although individuals aged 50 and older are mostly getting the cancer, Colorectal Cancer Canada said it's not 'an old person's disease' and the risk now is greater for younger adults compared to past generations. Those born after 1980 are two to 2.5 times more likely to get colorectal cancer before they turn 50, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada. What's more, it said younger patients tend to be diagnosed with the disease at more advanced stages, which creates 'unique challenges' for prognosis and treatment. Early onset colorectal cancer is rising among those below age 50, Colorectal Cancer Canada added. At the same time, Canada is seeing a declining number of cases and deaths for those 50 and older.
Global News
30-04-2025
- Health
- Global News
Why are young adults getting colorectal cancer? E. coli may be a clue
Exposure to a bacterial toxin in childhood may be playing a key role in the global rise of early onset of colorectal cancer, according to a new study. The study, published April 23 in Nature, found that a toxin called colibactin, produced by certain strains of E. coli that live in the colon and rectum, is capable of altering DNA. The researchers from the University of California reported that early exposure to colibactin leaves a unique mark on colon cell DNA — one that could bump up your chances of getting colorectal cancer before 50. However, it's important to note that the study did not prove colibactin caused cancer, it only identified a link between mutations linked to the toxin and early-onset disease. 'These mutation patterns are a kind of historical record in the genome, and they point to early-life exposure to colibactin as a driving force behind early-onset disease,' said study senior author Ludmil Alexandrov, professor in the department of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of California San Diego. Story continues below advertisement 'If someone acquires one of these driver mutations by the time they're 10 years old, they could be decades ahead of schedule for developing colorectal cancer, getting it at age 40 instead of 60,' he said in a media release. 2:08 'Could've been avoided': Colon cancer survivor advocates for colonoscopies Colorectal cancer includes two types of cancers: cancer of the colon and cancer of the rectum. Generally, it spreads more slowly than many other cancers, often lingering in the colon or rectum for months or even years before spreading elsewhere. That means if it's detected early, treatment is usually very effective. While colorectal cancer rates have been falling among older adults, they've been climbing in people under 50 — both in Canada and around the world — over the past few decades, for reasons that still aren't clear. Story continues below advertisement If current trends continue, it's projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related death among young adults by 2030. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The fastest-growing subset of the population who get colorectal cancer, and primarily rectal cancer, are between the ages of 28 and 39 years old,' said Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada. 'And we don't have a reason to understand why these people are being diagnosed or why they're getting colorectal cancer in the first place.' The question of why this is happening is what led the University of California researchers to dig deeper. Stein explained that there's already some evidence linking gut bacteria to colorectal cancer — whether it's a cause or just a correlation — and said this study adds another piece to the puzzle. 3:55 Health Matters: Colon cancer risks What the study found To help explain the medical mystery, the study's researchers looked at 981 colorectal cancer genomes from patients with both early- and late-onset disease across 11 countries (including Canada) with varying colorectal cancer risk levels. Story continues below advertisement The researchers found that colibactin leaves behind DNA mutation patterns in colorectal cancer that are 3.3 times more common in adults diagnosed before 40 than in those diagnosed after 70, and these patterns are especially frequent in countries with high rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. Previous studies, including earlier work from Alexandrov's lab, have found colibactin-related mutations in about 10 to 15 per cent of all colorectal cancer cases. Bu, these studies either focused on late-onset cases or didn't differentiate between early- and late-onset disease. This latest study is the first to specifically highlight a significant increase in colibactin-related mutations in early-onset cases, the researchers said. 2:20 Should the screening age for colon cancer be lowered? The researchers found that the damage caused by colibactin seems to kick in surprisingly early. By analyzing the molecular 'timing' of different DNA mutation patterns, they were able to show that the mutations linked to colibactin tend to show up early in the process of tumour development, often during the first decade of life. Story continues below advertisement This means the colibactin-producing bacteria might be taking hold in children's digestive systems early on, quietly altering their DNA in ways that could increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life, long before any warning signs emerge, the study said. Dr. Shuji Ogino, chief of the molecular pathological epidemiology program at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, called the study findings 'fascinating.' 'Cancer develops in a long-term process. So people have cancer at age 40, age 45 or age 60, right? They have a symptom, go to the doctor,' he said. 'But in reality, it's likely that the process starts earlier. We don't know yet when it starts, but it could start quite early, even as a baby.' And that's what the study points to, he added. What's next? Although it's too early to tell, Stein said if there is a link between the bacteria and colorectal cancer, it may have 'very profound effects.' Story continues below advertisement 'For example, maybe these are things that we could look for when we're doing screening for the disease in terms of preventing the disease in the first place,' he said. 'Or maybe it's something that, through treatment, through developing a vaccine or developing a drug, we can attack those types of bacterium, which could stop the cause of colon cancer.' In the meantime, the researchers say there's still a lot we don't know — and this discovery opens the door to a whole new set of questions. How exactly are kids being exposed to colibactin-producing bacteria, and is there a way to reduce or prevent that exposure? Are certain diets, environments or lifestyle factors making the body more hospitable to these microbes? And how can someone even find out if they already carry these kinds of mutations? The team is actively digging into these questions. They're exploring various theories, including whether probiotics could help safely wipe out harmful strains.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Want to avoid colon cancer? 5 things you should never do, according to a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Colorectal cancer is a serious health risk for many Canadians — including people under the age of 50. More than 25,200 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada last year. According Colorectal Cancer Canada, 26 people die from the illness everyday, making it the second leading cause of death from cancer for men, and the third leading cause of death from cancer for women. Colorectal cancer cancer grows more slowly than some other cancer and can stay in the colon or rectum for months or even years. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, but if found early, colorectal cancer can often be cured. This is why Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, points out that colorectal cancer can be preventable through lifestyle choices, awareness of symptoms and early screening. In 1995, while juggling the demands of his legal career, Stein began to notice various concerning symptoms. Those included blood in his stool, migraines, abdominal pain and nausea, which he dismissed as related to stress. "I was turning 41 at the time and had no idea what cancer even was," Stein recalls. "People didn't say that word so much in 1995, let alone colorectal cancer. These were symptoms that came and went, so I ignored them." It wasn't until he finally had a fecal occult blood test and colonoscopies that the diagnosis hit: Stage 4 colorectal cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs. Still, Stein stresses a person's health doesn't have to get to this point. In an interview with Yahoo Canada, he shared five things Canadians should and shouldn't do to help prevent colorectal cancer. Unexplained changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should never be symptoms you ignore. These signs might also be linked to other gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcers, Crohn's disease or hemorrhoids, according to the Colorectal Cancer Canada website. That means "just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have colon cancer," Stein adds. "But they are a reason to be checked out." Regular screenings are important because colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, or growths in the colon or rectum. Catching and removing these polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Starting at age 50, you should undergo routine fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Even though everybody has the right to get screened starting at age 50, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer states the "screening participation rate across the country is still below the national target of 60 per cent." Despite this, Colorectal Cancer Canada highlights that the screening guidelines have effectively reduced cancer rates in those over age 50, demonstrating their life-saving potential. However, there is a rise in cases among younger adults, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, Stein notes. These individuals are often diagnosed at a later stage because they are not getting screened and health-care professionals may not suspect cancer at a young age. If you're under 50 and experiencing related symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to start screening early. "Speak to your doctor about your personal testing plan," the organization advises. The Foods That Fight Cancer program by Colorectal Cancer Canada recommends eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to these foods, the program advises limiting the intake of processed meats and red meat, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It also recommends reducing the amount of alcohol and sugary beverages you drink. Highly processed foods should be minimized as well. By making these dietary changes, the risk of developing colorectal cancer can be minimized, Stein points out. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Stein highlights, "Having a sedentary lifestyle, in other words, being a couch potato, is a risk factor." Staying active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, regular physical activity can lower the risk by improving bowel function and reducing inflammation. Discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with a health-care provider so you understand the risk. If you have a first-degree relative — such as a parent, sibling or child — who's had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Shared genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this increased risk, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada. Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can elevate your risk further. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, often at a younger age. Other inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, also heighten the risk. "Your age and generic history of your family are risk factors that you can't control," Stein says, adding the goal is to focus on what can be controlled, like eating healthier foods and exercising. Prevention is often more straightforward than treatment, which can be invasive and challenging. As Stein states, "it's so much easier to prevent something (than to treat it)." "All you have to do is get a kit, poop in your toilet, send it to the lab with a little stick and you find out if it's positive," Stein explains. If it does turn out positive, you would then go for a colonoscopy so that the polyp can be located. "If there is a polyp, they remove it and you catch the cancer early. Otherwise, you go through what I went through, which is quite challenging, to say the least. And at worst, people die." By focusing on early screening and prevention, potential issues can be caught early before developing into cancer, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Don't ignore these colon cancer symptoms and signs: Everything you need to know about the 2nd deadliest cancer in Canada
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is back this March, and one non-profit is encouraging Canadians to learn more about colon cancer and how its screened. That includes understanding how colorectal cancer can be preventable, treatable and beatable if caught early. For March, Colorectal Cancer Canada launched a new campaign this year called Make Your #2 Your #1 Priority. "Our objective is to make all Canadians aware that colorectal cancer can affect everyone, that it exists and 69 Canadians each day are diagnosed," the non-profit stated in its campaign, which focuses on changes in bowel movements. President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada Barry Stein urged people to take their health into their own hands because screenings can save your life. "No one should wait until symptoms appear because, by then, it may be too late," the stage four colorectal cancer survivor shared in a news release. Stein previously shared five things Canadians should and shouldn't do when it comes to managing their health and preventing colorectal cancer. Those included everything from paying attention to symptoms and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colorectal Cancer Canada (@coloncanada) Colorectal Cancer Canada is also urging people to wear blue on Friday, March 7 in support of people impacted by the disease. Similar to last week's Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness around bullying, the organization's Dress in Blue Day aims for people to wear a blue-coloured clothing item — anything from a T-shirt to socks — to help spread awareness about colorectal cancer. Canadian screening policies recommend average-risk adults get screened for colorectal cancer at age 50 and above. However, rates of the disease in younger people have been rapidly rising worldwide. Even celebrities like former Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer last year when he was 47, have faced the disease head on. In Canada, an estimated 25,200 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year. The Canadian Cancer Society indicated that represents 10 per cent of all new cancer cases diagnosed last year, adding that around 9,400 people died from the disease in 2024. In the U.S., there may be more than 154,000 new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in 2025. One Canadian who experienced colorectal cancer at an early age is Ontario-based rapper Bishop Brigante. The Scarborough, Ont.-bred artist was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in October 2023. "I'm 45. I could've been fighting this in my 30s," Brigante previously told Yahoo Canada. "I could've been fighting this sooner and it would've been a completely different fight." In late January 2024, Brigante created a petition urging medical professionals and policymakers to push for a lower age criteria when it comes to colonoscopies in Canada. At more than 37,000 signatures, the petition urges for that criteria to be set at age 30, specifically for men. "I honestly believe if they take away this age criteria, we will save so many lives, and that's important to me."Bishop Brigante But what exactly is colorectal cancer and should Canadians worry about developing the disease? Read on to learn more. Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects your large intestine (colon) or your rectum (the end of the colon). Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together as colorectal cancer because the two organs are made of the same tissues without a distinct border between them. When cells in the colon or rectum no longer grow or behave normally, the changes may lead to non-cancerous tumours, precancerous conditions (i.e. adenomas) or colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer may not present any significant signs or symptoms in its early stages, making it all the more important to stay up-to-date on your colon health and get screened regularly. If caught in its early stages, colorectal cancer is 90 per cent curable. According to the American Cancer Society, a polyp can take as long as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer. Therefore, symptoms often only start appearing once a tumour grows and affects the surrounding organs and tissues. The early signs of colorectal cancer are often similar to other health conditions, including anemia and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Monika Krzyzanowska, a medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, told Yahoo Canada in a previous interview that one of the early signs of the disease is a change in bowel habits: "[People] may not be going as often [to the bathroom] as they usually do. The calibre of your stool may change. For example, it can become thinner or more narrow." Krzyzanowska noted abdominal pain, bleeding and unexplained weight loss are causes for concern, alongside iron-deficiency anemia: "One of the things people may not know [to pay attention to] is iron-deficiency anemia. They may be feeling tired, go see their family doctor and are found to be anemic. This can sometimes be an initial presentation of colon cancer." Other signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer may include: Diarrhea Constipation Narrow stool (compared to average) Blood in the stool Unexplained weight loss Anemia Abdominal cramps and pain Nausea and vomiting Pain or discomfort in the rectum Bleeding from the rectum Krzyzanowska indicated the urgent symptoms you should never ignore are "any sort of severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain associated with nausea, vomiting and an inability to pass stool," as they could be symptoms of a bowel obstruction. While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, people living with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk compared to others. Risk factors include a family history of polyps and colon cancer, obesity, smoking, alcohol, sedentary behaviour and a diet high in processed food and red meat. "Ironically, a lot of the lifestyle factors [that are good for colon health] are good for other things as well," Krzyzanowska said, adding that "having a healthy diet, not smoking and having a good weight" can decrease your risk of the disease. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colorectal Cancer Canada (@coloncanada) For 2025, the American Cancer Society projected the United States will see more than two million new cancer diagnoses, which equates to about 5,600 new cases per day. Moreover, there could be more than 618,000 cancer deaths this year, according to the organization's annual cancer statistics report. Despite this growth, no one can say for certain why colorectal cancer numbers are increasing amongst young people. However, some experts theorize increased incidence rates could be linked to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, environmental factors and poor diets. Still, learning your family history of colorectal cancer, getting regular medical checkups, exercising and consuming a good diet are all key to leading a healthy life.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Want to avoid colon cancer? 5 things you should never do, according to a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Colorectal cancer is a serious health risk for many Canadians — including people under the age of 50. More than 25,200 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada last year. According Colorectal Cancer Canada, 26 people die from the illness everyday, making it the second leading cause of death from cancer for men, and the third leading cause of death from cancer for women. Colorectal cancer cancer grows more slowly than some other cancer and can stay in the colon or rectum for months or even years. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, but if found early, colorectal cancer can often be cured. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. This is why Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, points out that colorectal cancer can be preventable through lifestyle choices, awareness of symptoms and early screening. In 1995, while juggling the demands of his legal career, Stein began to notice various concerning symptoms. Those included blood in his stool, migraines, abdominal pain and nausea, which he dismissed as related to stress. "I was turning 41 at the time and had no idea what cancer even was," Stein recalls. "People didn't say that word so much in 1995, let alone colorectal cancer. These were symptoms that came and went, so I ignored them." It wasn't until he finally had a fecal occult blood test and colonoscopies that the diagnosis hit: Stage 4 colorectal cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs. Still, Stein stresses a person's health doesn't have to get to this point. In an interview with Yahoo Canada, he shared five things Canadians should and shouldn't do to help prevent colorectal cancer. Unexplained changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should never be symptoms you ignore. These signs might also be linked to other gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcers, Crohn's disease or hemorrhoids, according to the Colorectal Cancer Canada website. That means "just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have colon cancer," Stein adds. "But they are a reason to be checked out." Regular screenings are important because colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, or growths in the colon or rectum. Catching and removing these polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Starting at age 50, you should undergo routine fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Even though everybody has the right to get screened starting at age 50, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer states the "screening participation rate across the country is still below the national target of 60 per cent." Despite this, Colorectal Cancer Canada highlights that the screening guidelines have effectively reduced cancer rates in those over age 50, demonstrating their life-saving potential. However, there is a rise in cases among younger adults, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, Stein notes. These individuals are often diagnosed at a later stage because they are not getting screened and health-care professionals may not suspect cancer at a young age. If you're under 50 and experiencing related symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to start screening early. "Speak to your doctor about your personal testing plan," the organization advises. The Foods That Fight Cancer program by Colorectal Cancer Canada recommends eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to these foods, the program advises limiting the intake of processed meats and red meat, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It also recommends reducing the amount of alcohol and sugary beverages you drink. Highly processed foods should be minimized as well. By making these dietary changes, the risk of developing colorectal cancer can be minimized, Stein points out. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Stein highlights, "Having a sedentary lifestyle, in other words, being a couch potato, is a risk factor." Staying active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, regular physical activity can lower the risk by improving bowel function and reducing inflammation. Discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with a health-care provider so you understand the risk. If you have a first-degree relative — such as a parent, sibling or child — who's had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Shared genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this increased risk, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada. Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can elevate your risk further. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, often at a younger age. Other inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, also heighten the risk. "Your age and generic history of your family are risk factors that you can't control," Stein says, adding the goal is to focus on what can be controlled, like eating healthier foods and exercising. Prevention is often more straightforward than treatment, which can be invasive and challenging. As Stein states, "it's so much easier to prevent something (than to treat it)." "All you have to do is get a kit, poop in your toilet, send it to the lab with a little stick and you find out if it's positive," Stein explains. If it does turn out positive, you would then go for a colonoscopy so that the polyp can be located. "If there is a polyp, they remove it and you catch the cancer early. Otherwise, you go through what I went through, which is quite challenging, to say the least. And at worst, people die." By focusing on early screening and prevention, potential issues can be caught early before developing into cancer, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment.
