“I think I went into shock,” is how actor James Van Der Beek, 47, describes waking up from his colonoscopy last summer and being told he had colon cancer in a People magazine article.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time,” the father of six told People.
Yet, Van Der Beek noticed changes in his bowel habits. When dietary changes didn’t help him, he went for a colonoscopy.
The diagnosis: Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer
Van Der Beek is not talking about his treatments or recovery status, but he’s trying to remain positive, according to People. But he is bringing awareness to the disease and how it’s taking its toll on younger men.
Colorectal Cancer Rising Among Younger Men
The number of men under 55 diagnosed with colorectal cancer doubled from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019, according to report from the American Cancer Society.
“We know rates are increasing in young people, but it’s alarming to see how rapidly the whole patient population is shifting younger, despite shrinking numbers in the overall population,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and author of the report. “The trend toward more advanced disease in people of all ages is also surprising and should motivate everyone 45 and older to get screened.
The report found that colorectal cancer rates are 33% higher in men than women. Diagnoses tend to be made when the disease is more advanced. And deaths rates for patients under 50 have increased 1% annually since 2005.
“We have to address why the rates in young adults continue to trend in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president, surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the study. “We need to invest more in research to uncover the causes of the rising trends and to discover new treatment for advanced-stage diseases to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease in this young population, who are raising families and supporting other family members.”
Still, no one knows why there’s an increase in colorectal cancers diagnosed in younger people. Yale researchers – among others – are trying to learn more. They’re looking for genetic clues as well as other risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening, Symptoms and Treatment
According to the American Cancer Society, screening for colorectal cancer for men and women should begin at the age of 45. But if you have a family history or any risk factors, begin screening sooner. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says if you have any of the following symptoms go to your doctor.
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in your stool
- Constipation, diarrhea or other bowel issues
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer
There are various treatment options for colorectal cancer. Treatment plans will depend on several factors, including the cancer’s location, the disease stage, your age and general health, and whether the cancer is new or recurrent.
Many colorectal cancer patients are treated with combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.
The first line of treatment for most patients typically involves surgery to remove the cancer. Your physicians will assist you in determining the most suitable type of surgery, if any, for your situation.
If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy may be used. It can also be employed before surgery to facilitate cancer removal or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy.
If your treatment calls for radiation, the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami — the premier cancer treatment center in South Florida – can help.
CyberKnife for Colorectal Cancer
CyberKnife is a noninvasive treatment that can be used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer:
How it works
The CyberKnife machine uses a robotic arm to precisely target tumors with radiation while protecting healthy tissues.
Benefits
CyberKnife can be a powerful treatment option for many cases of metastatic colorectal cancer, especially early-stage cancers. It can be completed in as little as 3-to-5 one-hour sessions, and most patients feel well enough to continue with their day after a treatment appointment.
Side effects
Possible side effects include constipation, fecal urgency, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoid, rectal bleeding, more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, pressure or discomfort in the rectal area, urinating more often, burning with urination, skin irritation, nausea, and fatigue. These are usually temporary and resolved after your treatment ends.
When it’s used
CyberKnife can be used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with pulmonary metastases who are not eligible for surgery. It can also be used to treat hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer (HMCRC).
Whether it’s right for you
Only you and your doctor can decide if CyberKnife is the ideal option for your cancer treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about how CyberKnife can help with colorectal cancer, call the cancer experts at CyberKnife Miami at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now www.cyberknifemiami.com.