Colon Cancer: Signs, Risk Factors and How to Reduce Your Likelihood
The American Cancer Society estimates that there are approximately 106,590 new cancer patients colon cancer cases By 2024, this will be the case in the United States. The incidence rate among older adults fell by about 1% per year from 2011 to 2019, but since the mid-1990s, the incidence rate among people under 55 has increased by 1% to 2% per year.
In mid-2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Colorectal cancer blood test approvedproviding people with a new, less invasive cancer screening option. While it’s still done in a doctor’s office, Guardant Health (maker of the Shield blood test) Announce It is covered by Medicare, which will allow more people to access early detection and treatment of cancer. It is approved for use in people 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease, according to Guardant.
Understanding the symptoms and proactively seeking care are critical to recovery from colon cancer. 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 colorectal cancer.
What is colon cancer?
The colon is a part of the large intestine; colon cancer forms when polyps grow abnormally and become cancer cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, polyps are small and may cause few or no symptoms. Regular screening is recommended, especially if you have risk factors or show signs of colon cancer.
according to a Yale University ReportColon cancer tends to grow differently in men than in women. Women have lower rates of colon cancer, but they are also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive form of colon cancer.
signs of colon cancer
- Changes in bowel movements or stool consistency
- constipation or diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- sudden weight loss
- Frequent stomach pain, discomfort, or cramping
- Intestines do not feel empty
colon cancer risk factors
Increased risk factors for colon cancer include:
- You are over 50 years old
- family history of colon cancer
- Chronic inflammation, 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 Colon Cancer Risk
- cancer screening: The average person should start screening for colon cancer around age 45, but if you have increased risk factors, consider screening sooner.
- Nutrition: Add different fruits, Incorporate vegetables and whole grains into your diet to get their nutrients. Foods like berries, grapes, broccoli, and brown rice contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may Cancer prevention benefits.
- Moderate smoking and drinking: You don’t have to Quit turkeybut these habits should be practiced in moderation to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
- exercise: exercise regularly Can help maintain a healthy body and weight, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week, or 20 to 30 minutes per day.
