Health checks can be lifesaving, says expert

Procrastination is common in daily tasks like sending emails or doing laundry, but when it comes to health, delaying could be dangerous.

Dr. David Liska, chair of colorectal surgery at Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs of illness, especially cancer.

 He explains that while symptoms like unexplained weight loss or persistent cough may signal advanced cancer, any new or unusual symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor.

A concerning trend is the rise in early-onset cancer, affecting adults aged 18 to 49. A recent American Cancer Society study highlights a shift in cancer diagnoses from older to middle-aged individuals.

For example, cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of death in women aged 20 to 39, while colorectal and breast cancers are leading causes of death in men and women under 50.

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Dr. Liska advises not to dismiss cancer symptoms in younger adults and stresses the importance of understanding family history.

Genetic factors can play a significant role, with 30% of colorectal cancer patients having a family history of the disease. Early screening is recommended for those with a genetic predisposition.

Advancements in genetic testing, vaccines like the HPV vaccine, and improved treatments are providing hope in the fight against cancer.

For young patients, preserving fertility before starting treatment is also an important consideration.

While genetics and environmental factors contribute to cancer risk, Dr. Liska encourages maintaining a healthy lifestyle to lower the likelihood of developing the disease.

Despite the rise in early-onset cancers, ongoing research aims to uncover the underlying causes and develop better prevention strategies.