Colon Cancer: Signs, Risk Factors and How to Reduce Your Likelihood
Rates have been increasing in people younger than 55. Here are the signs and risk factors to know.
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- New York University, BS in Nutrition & Dietetics
- Russell Sage College, MS in Applied Nutrition
Talk to your doctor if you experience signs of colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimated that there were about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in America in 2024. While incidence rates for older adults have dropped about 1% each year from 2011 to 2019, in people younger than 55, rates have increased by 1% to 2% yearly since the mid-1990s.
In mid-2024, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a blood test for colorectal cancer, giving people a new, less invasive option for cancer screening. While it's still given at a doctor's office, Guardant Health (maker of the Shield blood test) announced that it's covered by Medicare, which will widen access to earlier detection and treatment of cancer to even more people. According to Guardant, it's approved for people at average risk for the disease aged 45 and older.
Knowing the signs and being proactive in getting care is crucial for colon cancer recovery. Below, we discuss the signs of colon cancer, its risk factors and things you can incorporate into your daily life to lower your risk of CRC.
What is colon cancer?
The colon is a part of the large intestine; colon cancer forms here when there's an abnormal growth of polyps that form into cancerous cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, the polyps are small and may cause few to no symptoms. Regular screening is recommended, particularly if you have risk factors or are showing signs of colon cancer.
According to a report from Yale University, colon cancer tends to grow differently in men compared with women. Rates of colon cancer are lower among women, but they're also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive type of colon cancer.
Colon cancer signs
- Change in your bowel movements or stool consistency
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bleeding from rectum
- Blood in the stool
- Sudden weight loss
- Regular stomach pain, discomfort or cramps
- Bowels don't feel empty
Colon cancer risk factors
Increased risk factors for colon cancer include:
- You're 50 years or older
- Family history of colon cancer
- Chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Poor diet high in fat and low in fiber
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- An inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
Ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer
- Cancer screening: The average person should begin screening for colon cancer around age 45, but consider screening earlier if you have increased risk factors.
- Nutrition: Incorporate different fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet to reap their nutrients. Foods like berries, grapes, broccoli and brown rice contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may have cancer-preventing benefits.
- Smoke and drink in moderation: You don't have to quit cold turkey, but these habits should be practiced in moderation to lower your risk of colon cancer.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy body and weight, which lowers the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity weekly, or 20 to 30 minutes daily.