When Kyle Ingram-Baldwin, father of four, begins to feel pain in the stomach, he thinks of a temporary indigestion. Stress, no doubt. Nothing serious enough to worry him. But eight months later, on June 16, this 40 -year -old Briton died of metastasized colon cancer who left him no chance. His testimony resonates today as an alert cry in several British media.
Colorectal cancer: more and more young people are affected
At the start, Kyle who has a stomach ache thinks of a bile calculation or the stress linked to her daily life. At 40, he is far too young to suffer from cancer he thinks. Just like the doctors he consults for his hassle. But his pain persists. And despite several medical visits, it was not until March that a scanner reveals the truth: an advanced and metastasy colorectal tumor. Too late to operate it and chemotherapy only partially works. A tragic outcome that reminds us that, more than ever, a symptom linked to the persistent transit should lead you to consult. Despite your age or your apparent good health.
Colorectal cancer: signs never to ignore
In reality, we recalled it in a previous article, colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting young adults. And any persistent change in intestinal habits – whether frequency, consistency or the presence of blood – must be taken seriously and be subject to medical consultation.
The symptoms that should push you to consult are:
- A persistent change in intestinal habits: go more often to the saddle, cleaner stools or on the contrary constipation, a constant non -relieved need (tenesme), or fine stools like a pencil;
- Blood in the stool: often dark red, painless and mixed with faeces;
- The presence of mucus in the stool;
- Abdominal pain which lasts more than a week, even moderate;
- Involuntary weight loss, often visible first by those around them or to change clothing size.
According to medical recommendations, if one of these signs lasts more than three weeks, you must consult without waiting.
Colorectal screening can save lives
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the world, but also one of the most curable if it is caught in time. It often begins with small polyps, detectable and retrifiable during a colonoscopy. 5 -year survival exceeds 90 % when the disease is identified at an early stage. But it drops to 13 % in stage 4, as in the case of Kyle when the disease is not known.
Different examinations make it possible to identify it: immunological tests of occult blood in stool, colonoscopy, or search for tumor markers.
In France, organized screening is for people aged 50 to 74, with a free test to do every two years. This quick and painless test can be obtained from his attending physician or ordered online via the official screening of the screening program (monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr).
But what’s going on before 50 years? It is not automatic, but in the event of unusual symptoms or family history, a doctor may prescribe a test or colonoscopy at any age. More and more specialists are asking to lower the age of screening to 45 years, or even earlier in people at risk.
“”Go see, even for a little doubt“”
Kyle Ingram-Baldwin did not have a known risk factor. Young, sportsman, father of four children aged 1 to 12, he still had a lifetime in front of him. But his body already sent signals that he ignored. Pain, then fatigue, weight loss … and then diagnosis. In a video recorded before his death, Kyle shared this message:
“”I never want someone else to live what I live. Make yourself examined, even if you think it’s nothing “.
Kyle’s latest message is simple, but vital: don’t wait. If your body speaks, listen to it.