Colon cancer and rectal cancer, commonly grouped together as colorectal cancer, are the second most common type of cancer in the United States, after lung cancer. But, when detected in its early stages, the 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is higher than 90 percent.
Colon cancer develops when the healthy, normal cells that line the colon or rectum begin to change, or mutate, forming growths called polyps. Not all polyps are cancerous, but they can become cancerous without treatment.
More common among older adults, colon cancer can develop at any age. A family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer or polyps can increase your odds of developing it. Other risk factors include existing inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease or chronic ulcerative colitis, and type 2 diabetes.
Lowering your risk
Whether you fall into a high-risk group or not, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing colon cancer in the following ways:
Exercise consistently. Aim to get 30 minutes of exercise at least five times per week. It’s estimated that 46,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. could potentially be prevented if every American took a 45-minute walk each day.
Avoid too much red meat, processed meats or meats cooked at very high heat. Researchers have found that consuming 50 grams of processed meats can increase chances of colon cancer by 18 percent.
Eat high-fiber, low-fat foods. Beans, vegetables and fruits are foods that enhance our daily meals and are associated with lower rates of colon cancer. Fast food and highly processed diets with high levels of sugar, salt and fat, however, are associated with higher rates of colon cancer.
Obesity is also associated with higher rates of colon cancer. A balanced diet higher in plant-based foods and lower in red meat and processed foods can help lower your weight and reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Alcohol use is another risk factor for colon and other cancers. The more you drink, the higher the risk. Changing drinking habits isn’t always easy, but your primary care doctor can help.
Early detection matters
Colon cancer is notorious for not showing symptoms in its early stages. So, regular screening is necessary to detect it early when treatment is most successful. If you’re due for a colonoscopy, don’t delay. Recommendations were recently changed and those of us at average risk for colon cancer should have our first colonoscopy at age 45. If at higher risk, talk with your doctor about being screened sooner.
You can also be screened for colon cancer with a convenient at-home stool DNA test. Ask your primary care doctor to send the test, follow the instructions and send in your sample. If it shows signs of malignant (cancerous) DNA, you’ll need to follow up for additional diagnostic exams and treatment.
While the stool DNA test is considered effective at detecting cancer and large, noncancerous polyps, a traditional colonoscopy is recommended as it can also eliminate abnormal polyp growth.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Sudden changes in bowel movements
Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
Persistent abdominal cramps or pain
Unexpected weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Speak with your primary care doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Advanced treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery can be effective. Step one, however, is prevention – a step that will improve your overall health and wellbeing.