Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the fourth most common diagnosed cancer, according to Hope Rasque, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon with Piedmont Physicians Colorectal Surgery of Conyers.
Finding cancer early, when it's small and hasn't spread, often allows for more treatment options.
“We know screening works,” Dr. Rasque says. “Screening should start at age 45 for adults with no family history and average risk.”
If a member of your family has ever been diagnosed with colon cancer, you’re at a higher risk than the general population for developing it, explains William Norris, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Digestive Healthcare of Georgia – Fayette.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, your first colonoscopy should be 10 years prior to that person’s diagnosis if it’s earlier than the routine screening age of 45.
“There is a genetic component to colon cancer,” he says.
In addition, simple lifestyle changes can make a difference, especially if you’re at higher risk.
Colon cancer can be scary to consider, but catching it early is important. Because its symptoms can mimic other disorders, Dr. Norris says, you should discuss gastrointestinal problems with your doctor as soon as possible.
Advanced colon cancer is much harder to treat, so prevention, vigilance and early detection are key.
Lifestyle changes to prevent cancer
Dr. Norris recommends these simple changes for lowering cancer risk:
These changes are good for your overall health, and you can work with your doctor to create exercise plans, maintain weight loss and more.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Many early-stage colon cancers can be totally symptom-free, Dr. Norris says, which is why screenings are so important. But some people with colon cancer may experience:
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal discomfort
- Excess gas
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Feeling that your bowels are not empty following a bowel movement
These symptoms could also point to other GI problems, like colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But when people assume a less severe problem, Dr. Norris explains, they may endanger themselves while cancer spreads quietly in the meantime.
Additionally, he points out that colon cancer is not limited only to older people.
Dr. Rasque says that younger patients are being diagnosed because the recommended screening age was lowered, but an over-processed diet may shoulder some of the blame.
“We do not know exactly why incidence seems to be getting higher in younger people, but the thought is due to several things including a poor diet including processed foods, increased obesity rate and lack of physical activity,” Dr. Rasque says. “There is also evidence to suggest a link between colorectal cancer and gut microbiome, or the microorganisms that inhabit the human gut.”
Thankfully, we are seeing a decrease in colon cancer among people over the age of 50 due to routine screenings, Dr. Rasque says.
How colonoscopies save lives
Dr. Rasque says that colonoscopies are the preferred screening tool for colorectal cancer because “you can remove the polyps at the time of the screening and prevent them from growing into a colon cancer.” She further explains that “the other tests are mainly used to detect early cancers and late stage polyps. I would only recommend fecal occult blood tests for people who have limited access to colonoscopy and or other medical conditions that would prohibit colonoscopy as a viable option for screening.”
Colonoscopies aren’t the most enjoyable procedure, but they are quick and very effective at finding and preventing colon cancer.
“With a colonoscopy, you’re able to visualize polyps, or growths, in the colon,” Dr. Norris says.
Having polyps doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer, but doctors will remove polyps they find and biopsy them. This process ensures precancerous growths are removed too.
Dr. Norris finds many patients are hesitant to schedule colonoscopies because they fear the procedure’s prep, which requires drinking a liquid to clear the colon. But Dr. Norris points out that formulations have improved in recent years, and you may not have to drink as much as you think.
Many people also worry about pain during the procedure, he says. However, patients are sedated during the colonoscopy, which will minimize discomfort.
He encourages patients to talk with their doctors about the procedures.
He also reminds people that the screenings save lives, although pre-colonoscopy prep may be unpleasant.
"If you catch a polyp before it becomes a cancer, the risk of developing cancer at that specific location is gone," Dr. Norris says. "You've eliminated the risk of cancer at that location in the colon."
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