Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and most preventable cancers. Today, more young and middle-aged adults are diagnosed with colon cancer. With these rising cases, early detection and knowledge about your risk are critical. Screening for colon cancer can help save lives. There are several screening tests available to detect this problem in the pre-cancer phase: the gold standard being colonoscopy. Unfortunately, many people delay or avoid screening for colon cancer due to lack of adequate awareness.
Here are five important facts about colon and rectal cancer risk factors and early detection.
1. You May Be at Risk Even if You’re Under 50
While colorectal cancer is most common in people over 50, cases among younger adults are increasing. Research suggests that diet, obesity and low physical activity play a role in this trend. Rectal bleeding, blood in stools or changes in bowel habits can be a symptom of colorectal cancer. Therefore, talk to your doctor, regardless of your age.
2. Family History Plays a Big Role
If you have a parent, sibling or child who has had colorectal cancer, your risk is nearly double that of someone without a family history. If a close family member was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an early age, you should start screenings 10 years before the age they were when diagnosed.
Genetic testing can help identify hereditary conditions linked to colorectal cancer. One of the most common inherited conditions is Lynch syndrome.
3. Lifestyle Choices Can Increase or Decrease Your Risk
Your everyday habits can make a difference in reducing the risk for colorectal cancer. Factors that increase your risk include:
- History of colon polyps.
- Eating a lot of processed and/or red meat.
- Family history of colon cancer.
- Low fiber intake in diet
- Heavy alcohol use.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Smoking.
Ways to lower your risk:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay active.
4. Symptoms Are Easy to Overlook — Don’t Ignore Them
Early colorectal cancer symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other digestive issues. Some key warning signs include:
- Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating.
- Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding.
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool).
- Iron deficiency/anemia.
Even if symptoms seem minor, you should not ignore them.
5. Screenings Save Lives — Here’s When to Get One
The American Cancer Society recommends starting routine colon cancer screenings at age 45. Earlier, if you have certain colorectal cancer risk factors such as:
- A family history.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- History of polyps.
“Guidelines from the American Cancer Society and U.S. Task Force on colorectal cancer recommend undergoing a screening test starting at age 45. Earlier if symptoms develop,” says Jai Bikhchandani, MD, Colorectal Surgeon with St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “A colonoscopy is the most common screening test. But other noninvasive tests like FIT or Cologuard may prove very helpful in detecting polyps or cancer.”
Polyps are small growths inside the colon. A colon cancer screening — such as a colonoscopy or stool-based test — can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Your doctor can generally remove polyps during a colonoscopy. If you opt for a stool-based test, the results may indicate you need a colonoscopy for a more comprehensive screening.
Colorectal cancer awareness is key to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of this cancer.
Prioritize Your Health: Get Screened
Regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle and staying informed can help reduce your risk. St. Elizabeth supports you with expert care and advanced screening options.
To learn more or schedule a colon cancer screening, call (859) 301-4000.
