Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults  

The New York Times recently reported[1] on an alarming increase of colorectal cancers in young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Though normally thought as being a senior’s disease, colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in every generation born since 1950. An added risk for this particular age group is doctors’ reluctance to take cancer into consideration as a diagnosis; because doctors do not catch the disease quickly, a proper diagnosis might not come until the cancer is less treatable. Early screening is being recommended as your first line of defense beginning from 20 years of age and onwards.

This problem is not unique to the US. Just last year, a study[2] from the University of Toronto found that colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly common in Canadians under age 50, as well. The average rate of increase is 1.28 per cent per year. In this case, part of the issue is that young people wait to report unusual symptoms until it is too late. While this has not yet become prevalent enough in Canada for Health Canada to change the recommended screening age, it underscores the importance of being observant in one’s own health, and speaking up if things do not seem normal.

While age and genetics may play a role in cancer development, environmental factors are important, too. In fact, the NIH[3] stated that changes in food habits alone could reduce the risk of cancer by up to 70 per cent. Obesity and inactivity are also important environmental factors, accounting for between one fourth and one third of colorectal cancer. This is not even including the risks of GMO’s and environmental toxins.

When the odds against health are stacked so high, we must be vigilant in observing the risk factors and controlling the ones that we can control. A healthy, organic diet; pure drinking water; regular exercise; adequate sleep (up to 8 hours per night to help lessen the built-up stress levels); and overall clean living are great first steps to live a healthier life. To supercharge preventative health, though, we also recommend supplements.

For immune defense, begin with the gastrointestinal region for total gut health. In fact, all disease factors should begin with balancing the microbiota within the gut; it is the bedding ground for originating disease and spreading it throughout the body. Use a clinically-proven probiotic. We recommend one derived from human strains, like Laktokhan. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences[4] reviewed several studies about the role of probiotics and protection against colon cancer. The studies discussed multiple angles from which probiotics can help in colon cancer prevention, including: “anticarcinogenic effects, antimutagenic properties, modification of differentiation processes in tumor cells, production of short chain fatty acids, and alteration of tumor gene-expressions.” They concluded that these results warranted further study into the true potential of probiotics.

To help prevent leaky gut syndrome, we recommend Full Spectrum Digestive Enzyme (FSDE) with ox bile. The gallbladder is responsible for storing bile. Bile is produced in the liver and released by the gallbladder. In the absence of a gallbladder, or if your gallbladder is compromised, the bile must be produced by the liver and sent to the small intestines for digestion, which severely marginalizes its effectiveness. For those with colorectal disease and compromised gallbladders, taking digestive enzymes with ox bile, like FSDE, will greatly benefit your health.

T cells are our immune defense, and for activating T-cells, Thymus Gland is a must. The thymus produces T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for cell-mediated immunity which is extremely important in resisting infection by mold-like bacteria: yeast, fungi, parasites, viruses, toxins and allergens. The function of the thymus gland is to program white blood cells in their various tasks, and then send them into the blood to recognize and destroy pathogens. T-cells come in 2 types: killer T-cells and helper T-cells. Killer T-cells detect germs or cancerous growths and destroy them. The helper T-cells create an immune response in the body, activating other immune cells and stimulating antibody production. The thymus “instructs” T-cells what to attack and when. Without this instruction the T-cells may fail to attack enemies (e.g. bacteria, viruses or cancer cells) or they may even mistake some of your own cells for an invading enemy and attack you–this is known as autoimmune disease.  Examples of autoimmune disease are: multiple sclerosis, cancer, atherosclerosis, adult-onset diabetes, and rheumatic diseases such as arthritis. Doctor’s Choice® Thymus Gland is derived from New Zealand free range grass-fed ovine; the sheep are grown without antibiotics or growth hormones.

Pure Vitamin C for it has all the essential nutritional value the body needs to maintain a healthy body. It is a known natural antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with iron absorption. And as a powerful antioxidant, Pure Vitamin C helps fight oxidation, a chemical reaction that produces unwanted free radicals. Pure Vitamin C fights free radicals. The build-up of free radicals over time influences the aging process and negatively impacts our overall health and well-being as well as immune and cardiovascular systems, cognitive and ocular conditions, joint and bone health, and connective tissues.

One of the main uses for vitamin C today is strengthening the immune system and helping with iron absorption. Pure Vitamin C protects the body against the oxidative effects caused by damaging free radicals produced by stress and exposure to toxins. In addition, Pure Vitamin C is essential for bones, joints and other connective tissues. It is essential for collagen fiber synthesis, a process vital for tissue repair and healing. It supports the body’s collagen production, an important protein for cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Pure Vitamin C from ascorbic acid is invaluable to the body for its role as an electron donor, supporting numerous metabolic enzymes in addition to enhancing the body’s total antioxidant potential.

The most common source of vitamin C is ascorbic acid mainly derived from corn. Today, corn is mainly from genetically modified sources, they are highly processed fructose corn and they typically irritate the stomach and bowels. And to complicate matters further there are health and safety concerns of GMO corn, they may be less nutritious and a poor source of Vitamin C. This is why Doctor’s Choice® Pure Vitamin C is so highly prized, the Quali® vitamin C ascorbic acid is derived from certified non-GMO corn manufactured in Scotland and prized for its USP quality and reliability.

As you see, we have a lot we can do in order avoid sickness and disease, and the best defense is awareness and prevention.

 

 

[1] Colon and Rectal Cancers Rising in Young People – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

[2] ‘Rapid increase’ in colorectal cancers among young Canadians, study finds | CTV News

[3] Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Risk Factors – PMC (nih.gov)

[4] Roles of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Colon Cancer Prevention: Postulated Mechanisms and In-vivo Evidence – PMC (nih.gov)