Doctors suggest corn as colorectal cancer self-test amidst rise of cases under 50

Recent years have seen a notable increase in colon cancer cases among people under 50. To effectively prevent colon cancer, a doctor has recommended a simple self-test involving eating corn. If the corn can be expelled from the body within a specific timeframe, it indicates normal bowel function; conversely, failure to do so may signal potential digestive issues or even a risk of colon cancer.

Increase in Colon Cancer Cases Under 50

According to a report by the UK's Daily Mail, general practitioner Dr. Hilary Jones stated on a program that cases of bowel cancer in the under-50 demographic are showing an increasing trend. Changes in seasonal routines and work schedules may trigger so-called "gut lag," similar to jet lag. This affects thinking, concentration, and drowsiness, and can also slow down the emptying of food from the digestive system, leading to bloating, various digestive system diseases, constipation, and even colon cancer.

He indicated that constipation symptoms are closely linked to colon cancer, and the incidence rate of colon cancer in younger populations continues to rise. Jones also shared a simple test to self-check for delayed bowel motility.

Corn Consumption Test Method

Eat sweet corn kernels and observe subsequent excretion. If you can observe the corn kernels being expelled in your stool within 12 to 24 hours after consumption, it represents normal bowel function.

• An expulsion time that is too short may indicate poor nutrient absorption efficiency.
• If it takes longer than this time range, it suggests that gastrointestinal motility may be slow, making related digestive symptoms more likely to occur.

Jones explained that the corn kernel test method has been used for many years. This method effectively assesses the so-called "gut transit time," which is the total duration of the digestive process from food intake to expulsion.

2 Easily Overlooked Symptoms of Colon Cancer 

The report also mentioned that general practitioner Dr. Jack Ogden previously stated in an interview that some symptoms are often overlooked. These include iron-deficiency anemia, which might manifest as unexplained fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath. Anemia is essentially a disease characterized by an insufficient number of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport efficiency, and may also be accompanied by chest tightness, palpitations, headaches, and dizziness. 

This type of anemia often occurs because continuous bleeding from intestinal tumors leads to iron loss and tissue inflammation, subsequently producing a specific protein that interferes with iron absorption.

He added that the sudden, persistent appearance of thin stools for no clear reason is also a hidden sign of colon cancer. When stools are as thin as a pencil, it could be a warning sign that a tumor is blocking the colon passage, forcing the intestine to compress waste into a narrow shape. He also reminded that bloating and abdominal discomfort are similarly hidden signs of cancer, potentially manifesting as persistent cramps or feeling full quickly after eating.

What are the Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Hong Kong and also the second deadliest cancer in the city. The latest published data shows 5,190 new cases of colon cancer and 2,270 deaths in one year.

Based on information from Hong Kong's online cancer resource centre, early-stage colon cancer may have no symptoms at all. If symptoms occur, the body might show the following changes:

Colon Cancer Symptoms:

• Blood in stool, or black stools, with mucus, or rectal bleeding
• Sudden change in bowel habits (persistent constipation or diarrhea), change in stool shape (thin, pencil-like), feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movement
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort (bloating or colicky pain)
• Symptoms of anemia: cold hands and feet, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, pale complexion, dizziness

Colon Cancer Risk Factors:

• Insufficient dietary fiber
• High consumption of red meat and processed meats
• Lack of physical activity, obesity
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Hereditary bowel diseases, e.g., "Familial Adenomatous Polyposis" or "Lynch syndrome"
• Long-term colon inflammation, e.g., "Ulcerative Colitis"
• Previous history of colon polyps
• Family history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives