How to lower your risk for colon cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is also the fourth most common, according to Hope Rasque, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon with Piedmont Physicians Colorectal Surgery of Conyers.

Finding cancer early, when it's small and hasn't spread, often allows for more treatment options.

“We know screening works,” Dr. Rasque says. “Screening should start at age 45 for adults with no family history and average risk.”

A family history of colon cancer increases risk, says William Norris, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Digestive Healthcare of Georgia–Fayette.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, get your first colonoscopy 10 years before their diagnosis if it’s earlier than age 45.

“There is a genetic component to colon cancer,” he says.

In addition, simple lifestyle changes can make a difference, especially if you’re at higher risk.

Colon cancer can be scary to consider, but catching it early is important. Because symptoms can mimic other issues, Dr. Norris urges discussing GI problems with your doctor promptly.

Advanced colon cancer is much harder to treat, so prevention, vigilance and early detection are key.

Lifestyle changes to prevent cancer

Dr. Norris recommends these simple changes for lowering cancer risk:

• Eat a high-fiber diet.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage your weight.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.

These changes support overall health and can be guided by your doctor for exercise and weight management.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Many early-stage colon cancers can be totally symptom-free, Dr. Norris says, which is why screenings are so important. But some people with colon cancer may experience:

• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal discomfort
• Excess gas
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling that your bowels are not empty following a bowel movement

These symptoms could also point to other GI problems, like colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Norris warns that assuming a minor issue can delay care while cancer silently progresses.

Additionally, he points out that colon cancer is not limited only to older people.

Dr. Rasque says more young patients are being diagnosed due to the lower screening age, though highly processed diets may also play a role.

“We do not know exactly why incidence seems to be getting higher in younger people, but the thought is due to several things including a poor diet including processed foods, increased obesity rate and lack of physical activity,” Dr. Rasque says. “There is also evidence to suggest a link between colorectal cancer and gut microbiome, or the microorganisms that inhabit the human gut.”

Dr. Rasque says routine screenings have helped reduce colon cancer in people over 50.

How colonoscopies save lives

Dr. Rasque says colonoscopies are the preferred screening because they allow polyps to be removed before they become cancer. She further explains that “the other tests are mainly used to detect early cancers and late stage polyps. I would only recommend fecal occult blood tests for people who have limited access to colonoscopy and or other medical conditions that would prohibit colonoscopy as a viable option for screening.”

Colonoscopies aren’t the most enjoyable procedure, but they are quick and very effective at finding and preventing colon cancer.

“With a colonoscopy, you’re able to visualize polyps, or growths, in the colon,” Dr. Norris says.

Having polyps doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer, but doctors will remove polyps they find and biopsy them. This process ensures precancerous growths are removed too.

Dr. Norris says many patients avoid colonoscopies due to fear of the prep drink. But Dr. Norris points out that prep options have improved, and you may not need to drink as much.

Many people also worry about pain during the procedure, he says. However, patients are sedated during the colonoscopy, which will minimize discomfort.

He encourages patients to talk with their doctors about the procedures.

He also reminds people that the screenings save lives, although pre-colonoscopy prep may be unpleasant.

"If you catch a polyp before it becomes a cancer, the risk of developing cancer at that specific location is gone," Dr. Norris says. "You've eliminated the risk of cancer at that location in the colon."

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