Colon cancer affects the large intestine, or colon, and is one of the most common types of cancer, with over 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. However, colon cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer, especially when caught early through regular screening.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The good news is that colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable, especially when caught early through regular screening.
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in both men and women. It can develop slowly over time, and early stages of colon cancer often do not cause any symptoms. This is why screening tests for colon cancer are so important – they can help detect the cancer at an early stage, when it is more easily treatable.
Regular colon cancer screening is especially important for people who are at higher risk for the disease.
What are the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?
- Age
- Family history
- Personal history
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lifestyle factors
What are the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?
Age: The risk of colon cancer increases as you get older, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 50.
Family history: Having a family history of colon cancer or polyps (abnormal growths in the colon) can increase your risk.
Personal history: If you’ve had colon cancer in the past, you’re at higher risk of developing it again.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in red or processed meats, smoking, and heavy alcohol use, can also increase your risk.
What are the signs and symptoms of colon cancer?
The symptoms of colon cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. In some cases, early-stage colon cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. However, some common symptoms of colon cancer can include:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, that last for more than a few days.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain, persistent gas or abdominal bloating
- Weakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Narrow stools
Since many of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of other conditions besides colon cancer, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of them.
