Sarah Cannon - January 22, 2021

Now is the fourth dimension to raise sensation about colorectal cancer. In the U.s., colorectal cancer is the 3rd nigh commonly diagnosed cancer, not including skin cancer, and the 2d leading crusade of cancer death in men and women combined.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Brotherhood, on boilerplate, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 23 for men and i in 25 for women.

While the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, the incidence of colon cancer is rising up to 2% annually for people under the historic period of 50, as well. Research conducted by the American Cancer Gild has too found that people younger than age 55 developing colorectal cancer are 58% more than likely to be diagnosed with late-phase disease than older adults, making curative handling less likely for them. This dramatic rise in colon cancer incidence in younger individuals prompted the American Cancer Society to now recommend that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for average risk adults.[one] Individuals with a family history of colon cancer should speak to their physicians almost beginning screening at even a younger historic period in some instances, based on the age their afflicted family members were diagnosed. Sarah Cannon recommends consulting your physician if y'all are 45 years of age or older to determine the right screening test for you lot. Evidence-based options may include Colonoscopy at ten-year intervals or a Fecal Immunohistochemistry Test (FIT) annually.

Symptoms of colon cancer

While in many cases, in that location are no obvious symptoms with colon cancer, in that location are some that can be warning signs and should exist discussed with your physician. These include:

  • Any major modify in bowel habits
  • Claret in the stool that is either bright cherry, black or tarry
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Stools that are narrower than usual
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • General abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps
  • Constant feeling of fatigue or tiredness
  • New onset anemia diagnosed on routine lab work

Risk factors for colon cancer

In addition to existence enlightened of symptoms, you should discuss colon cancer screenings with your physician if you lot take any of the following adventure factors:

  • Having a personal history of colon or rectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn'due south disease
  • Having a strong family history of colon or rectal cancer, or polyps, especially a first-degree relative such as a parent, sibling or child or multiple 2d-degree relatives

Finally, be aware that sure lifestyle factors may too increase your risk for colon cancer:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Diets loftier in meat and depression in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Heavy alcohol intake
  • Physical inactivity

For more than data almost colon cancer, visit the Colorectal Cancer section on our website or the Colorectal Cancer Alliance website.

Want to learn more than about Fight Colorectal Cancer?

If you lot have questions about how to spot early symptoms of colon cancer, call askSARAH at (844) 482-4812 and speak to a nurse bachelor 24/seven or visit askSARAH.

[1] Simon, S. (2018, May 30). American Cancer Gild Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline. Accessed June x, 2019.

It is of import to know that the information in this post, including Sarah Cannon's recommendations for screening, is accurate every bit of the publishing date.