Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Risks and How to Reduce Your Chances

The American Cancer Society reported that there were about 106,590 new cases colon cancer cases in America in 2024. Although the number of elderly people has decreased by about 1% each year from 2011 to 2019, among people under the age of 55, rates have increased by 1% to 2% per year since the mid-1990s.

By mid-2024, the US Food and Drug Administration agreed to a blood test for skin cancergiving people a new, less invasive way to test for cancer. Although still offered at the doctor’s office, Guardant Health (maker of the Shield blood test) he announced that it was covered by Medicare, which will increase cancer coverage for more people. According to Guardant, it is recommended for people at risk of the disease aged 45 or older.

Knowing the symptoms and being proactive about getting treatment are key to curing colon cancer. Below, we’ll discuss colon cancer symptoms, 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 develops here when there is an abnormal growth of polyps that produce cancer cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, a polyps are rare and may cause only mild symptoms. Regular screening is recommended, especially if you are at risk or are showing symptoms of colon cancer.

According to a a report from Yale UniversityColon cancer tends to develop differently in men than in women. Colon cancer rates are lower among women, but they are also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, the most dangerous type of colon cancer.

Colon cancer symptoms

• Changes in your bowel movements or stool consistency
• Diarrhea or diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in the stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Constant abdominal pain, discomfort or cramping
• There is no sensation in the intestines

Risk factors for colon cancer

Colon cancer risk factors include:

• You are 50 or older
• Family history of colon cancer
• Inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Avoid eating foods that are high in fat and high in fiber
• Beer
• Smoking
• A life without work
• Too much weight

Ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer

1. Cancer screening: The average person should start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45, but consider getting screened earlier if you’re at increased risk.
2. Nutritious foods: Combine different fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet harvest their food. Foods such as berries, grapes, broccoli and brown rice are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants cancer prevention.
3. Smoking and drinking in moderation: You don’t have to stop freezingbut these habits must be done properly to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
4. Physical exercise: Exercise regularly it can help maintain a healthy body and weight, which reduces the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week, or 20 to 30 minutes each day.