Analysis_of_Newspaper_Research_Results_Paper

* * Analysis of Newspaper Research Results University of Phoenix HCS 438 Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe the cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum. Though Colon and Rectum Cancers are two different diseases, there are more similarities than differences between them. Statistics is used to help monitor the increase and decreased numbers of individuals diagnosed with these diseases. This paper will examine the new research done on both age groups of Colorectal Cancer patients. These two age groups are those that were aged under and over the age of fifty. Colorectal Cancer is most common in individuals aged fifty or older. According to The American Cancer Society (2009), “The chances of having colorectal cancer go up after age 50. More than 9 out of 10 people found to have colorectal cancer are older than 50” (para.4). With this risk factor affecting this age group, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention developed the National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign. This campaign encourages men and women over the age of fifty to have regular colorectal cancer screening tests. For the past twenty years, the number of Colorectal Cancer diagnosis had been on a steady decline. Even though the number of cases had been decreasing, a new study has discovered a new increase of diagnoses within a certain age group. Rebecca L. Siegel, a manager of surveillance information in the department of surveillance and health policy research at the American Cancer Society, speaks of the new findings , "…we found that when you look at young adults, the rates are increasing fairly rapidly -- in great contrast to what's going on in the older population" (para. 3). Sampling was used to prove the increase of colorectal cancer cases in individuals under the age of 50. According to the American Heritage Dictionary (2003), a sample is, “A set of elements drawn from and analyzed to estimate the characteristics of a population”. In most cases, the population is usually very large, which makes it almost impossible for a census or complete evaluation to test everyone. The sample must be chosen at random to avoid the study being biased, and it must be large enough to effectively represent the population that is being tested. After the process of collecting information from the sample is taken, it is then tested. Inferences or extrapolations are then taken from the sample statistics. The research was performed with approximately 11,000 men and 9,800 women that were under the age of 50. They were from thirteen different cancer registries within the United States and information for this research was tracked from 1992 to 2005. Through those years, researchers found the increase in diagnoses by 1.5 percent in men and an increase by 1.6 percent in women each year. These individuals tested were split into three age groups: those aged in their twenties, thirties, and forties. Each age category increased their number of diagnoses. Out of the three age groups, the largest increases were in those individuals aged twenty to twenty-nine, the youngest group out of the three. Within this group, 5.2 percent of Colorectal Cancer increased each year in men, while 5.6 percent of the disease increased in women. More research is needed to officially identify the cause of the increase within individuals younger than fifty. Though additional research is needed, there are various factors that contribute to the increase of Colorectal Cancer within young adults. According to the American Cancer Society (2009), “A diet that is high in red meats (beef, lamb, or liver) and processed meats such as hot dogs, bologna, and lunch meat can increase your colorectal cancer risk. Cooking meats at very high heat (frying, broiling, or grilling) can create chemicals that might increase cancer risk. Diets high in vegetables and fruits have been linked with a lower risk of colorectal cancer” (para. 13). In addition to eating habits; lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking, and heavy use of alcohol has also been linked to colorectal cancer. The findings and conclusion for this study is appropriate due to the increased awareness of Colorectal Cancer screenings in individuals aged fifty and over. The prevention of a disease is much better than having to cure it, which makes the screenings very effective for the older age group. Younger individuals aren’t encouraged to be tested as much as the older generation. Once awareness of this new epidemic is raised, young adults will understand the importance of getting themselves screened. With the increase of colorectal cancer screenings, young adults will soon join their older counterparts in the decrease of this deadly disease. References: ScoutNews. (2009). Colorectal Cancer Rates Rising for Under 50 Set. Retrieved June 26, 2009, from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_85352.html American Cancer Society. (2009). What Causes Colorectal Cancer' Retrieved June 29, 2009, from:http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_colorectal_cancer.asp'rnav=cri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign. Retrieved June 29, 2009, from: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/ sample. (n.d.) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. (2003). Retrieved June 29, 2009 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sample