Colon Cancer: Signs, Risk Factors, and How to Reduce Your Chances

The American Cancer Society estimates that there are about 106,590 new ones cases of colon cancer in America in 2024. While incidence rates among older people have fallen by about 1% each year since 2011. by 2019, for people under 55, rates have increased by 1% to 2% per year since the mid-1990s.

In mid-2024 US Food and Drug Administration approved blood test for colorectal cancergiving people a new, less invasive option for cancer screening. While still given in a doctor’s office, Guardant Health (maker of the Shield blood test) announced that it is covered by Medicare, which will expand access to earlier cancer detection and treatment for even more people. According to Guardant, it is approved for people at average risk of the disease aged 45 and older.

Knowing the signs and being proactive in getting care is critical to colon cancer recovery. Below we discuss the signs of colon cancer, its risk factors, and things you can incorporate into your daily life to reduce your risk of CRC.

What is colon cancer?

The colon is part of the large intestine; colon cancer forms here when there is an abnormal growth of polyps that form in cancer cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, polyps are small and may cause few or no symptoms. Regular checkups are recommended, especially if you have risk factors or show signs of colon cancer.

According to a report from Yale UniversityColon cancer tends to develop differently in men compared to women. The incidence of colon cancer is lower among women, but they are also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive type of colon cancer.

Signs of colon cancer

• Change in bowel movements or stool consistency
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in the stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Regular stomach pain, discomfort or cramping
• Bowels do not feel empty

Colon cancer risk factors

Increased risk factors for colon cancer include:

• You are 50 or older
• Family history of colon cancer
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A poor diet high in fat and low in fiber
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• obesity

Ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer

1. Cancer screening: The average person should start screening for colon cancer around age 45, but consider screening earlier if you have increased risk factors.
2. Eating: Include different fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet to harvest their nutrients. Foods like berries, grapes, broccoli, and brown rice contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may have cancer prevention benefits.
3. Smoke and drink in moderation: You don’t have to quit cold turkeybut these habits should be practiced in moderation to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
4. Exercise: Regular exercises can help maintain a healthy body and weight, which reduces the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week or 20 to 30 minutes per day.