Colorectal cancer knowledge is need-to-know info for younger people as rates continue to rise in patients under 50. The number of relatively-young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been on the rise for years. “We always used to say at age 50, get your first colorectal screening, but now we’ve dropped that to 45,” says Samuel Akinyeye, MD, a gastroenterologist at The Ohio State University. “The reason is we’re seeing younger people being diagnosed, including some patients in my clinic.” While colorectal cancer rates have dropped for people 50 and older over the past 20 years—due to an increase in screenings, according to the American Cancer Society—diagnoses have increased by more than two percent per year during the same time period. Akinyeye shares more important info about colorectal cancer in younger patients on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Watch on the video player above, or listen via SoundCloud. There could be many reasons for the increase, including inherited genetic mutations and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise habits. “We’re eating more processed and greasy, fatty foods that are pro-inflammatory,” Akinyeye says, adding that obesity and inflammation can increase colorectal cancer risk. Learn more about colon and rectal cancers, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. Despite the alarming stats, there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of developing colorectal cancer, or improving the odds of potentially life-saving early detection. “Colonoscopies are the gold standard of screening,” Akinyeye says of the screening procedures that can detect pre-cancerous polyps that can then be removed before they become cancerous. “Screenings save lives.” Learning about family medical history can also go a long way toward preventing colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths, provided the information is discussed with doctors, usually starting with primary care physicians. “We have a saying—'Family secrets can kill families,’” Akinyeye says. Click here for information about The James Colorectal Cancer Center. People with family histories of colorectal cancer or high-risk polyps should often start undergoing screenings even earlier than 45. “People aren’t getting screened as early as necessary because they’re not aware of their family histories,” Akinyeye says. “Genetic mutations such as Lynch syndrome greatly increase the chances of developing colorectal cancer and other types of cancer.” In addition to his role at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Akinyeye is involved in several community-outreach programs designed to screen underserved populations for colorectal cancer, and to spread information that could lead to life-saving care. “One of my passions is getting out into the community and meeting with people where they feel most comfortable, and helping to dispel myths and fears.” Click here to learn more about gastrointestinal cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James.