The #2 Cause of Cancer Deaths in Men and Women
Risk Factors To Consider:
- Age - The risk of colon cancer increases with age, usually over the age of 50. With improved screening efforts there has been some progress in preventing colon cancer in this older population, but in recent years there has been a rise in cases in people under age 50. See your doctor if you have symptoms!
- Family History - Though most cases occur in people who don’t have a relative with colon cancer, up to 30% of Colon Cancer patients have a family history of the disease. People with a first-degree relative (parent, brother/sister, child) with colon cancer have 2 to 4 times the risk as people without a family history, depending on their age and how many are affected. Learn your family history of colon cancer and colon polyps!
- Race - African Americans are 20% more likely to have colon cancer and 40% more likely to die from colon cancer. Get screened!
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease - People with a history of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease may be at increased risk depending on the severity of their condition, the length of bowel involved and the length of time they have had active disease. It is important to have regular check-ups.
Other Factors To Consider:
- Smoking - Is associated with an increased risk for colon cancer and also appears to decrease survival rate; especially in those who are smoking at the time the cancer is found
- Alcohol - Excess alcohol increases risk for colon cancer and other cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends a maximum of 2 servings of alcohol/day for men and a maximum of 1 serving of alcohol/day for women
- Obesity and Diabetes - Obesity and diabetes may increase one’s risk for colon cancer.
A recent study found that maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet reduce the risk of CRC by more than one-third (37%)
People at increased risk because of family history of colon polyps/ colon cancer or because of a certain medical history may be advised to begin screening before age 50.
Screening saves lives
The goal is to remove polyps before they turn to cancer and find cancer at an early stage when treatment may be more effective.
We can treat and beat colon cancer!
There are several screening tests for colon cancer available, but colonoscopy is the one most commonly used in the US. It is the most comprehensive screening tool because it can find polyps and remove them at the same time.
Not all polyps turn into cancer, but cancer always begins as a polyp.
Aside from screening, colonoscopy is also done if there are abnormal results from another screening test. There are several screening tests available. Talk to your doctor about which one is the best choice for you.
It’s All About Prevention and Early Detection!
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer include (but are not limited to):
- Changes in your bowel habits that include diarrhea or constipation lasting more than four weeks
- Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
- Narrowing of the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent abdominal cramps
- The feeling that your bowels do not fully empty
- Weakness, fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Decreased appetite
See your healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Questions to Ask Your Physician
- When should I get screened for colon cancer?
- Am I at a higher risk for colon cancer?
- What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?