The Alarming Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults
Summary
KQED’s Forum examines the alarming rise in colorectal cancer among adults under 50, featuring survivor Amanda Webb’s stage four diagnosis at age 36. Dr. Chloe Atreya and Molly Roberts discuss potential causes like ultra-processed foods, the importance of early screening, and efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the show
Amanda Webb's story: Diagnosis and survival at 36
Advocacy work and raising awareness for young onset cancer
Dr. Atreya on the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer
Commercial break
Symptoms, risk factors, and listener stories
Barriers to screening and the importance of colonoscopies
Screening age guidelines and listener experiences
Risks of procedures and limitations of stool tests
Break and return from commercial
Listener calls on GI issues and environmental factors
Diet, probiotics, and stigma around screening
Cost of care and listener tips for preparation
Curability rates and the UCSF Young Onset Center
Closing sponsors and final remarks
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