Colon cancer: signs, risk factors, and how to reduce your risk of getting it

The American Cancer Society estimated there were about 106,590 new cases Colon cancer cases In America in 2024. While infection rates in older people fell by about 1% each year from 2011 to 2019, rates in people under 55 have risen by 1% to 2% per year since the mid-1990s.

Mid-2024, US Food and Drug Administration The blood test has been approved for colorectal cancerGiving people a new, less invasive option for cancer screening. While it is still offered in a doctor’s office, Guardant Health (maker of the Shield blood test) Announce It is covered by Medicare, which will expand access to early cancer detection and treatment to more people. According to Guardant, it’s approved for use in people at average risk of developing the disease ages 45 and older.

Knowing the signs and being proactive about getting care is crucial to recovering from colon cancer. Below we discuss the signs of colon cancer, 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 part of the large intestine. Colon cancer forms here when there is abnormal growth of polyps that form into cancerous cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, Small polyps It 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 Report from Yale UniversityColon cancer tends to grow differently in men compared to women. Women have lower rates of colon cancer, but they are also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive type of colon cancer.

Colon cancer signs

• Change in bowel movements or stool consistency
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Regular stomach pain, discomfort or cramps
• The intestine does not feel empty

Risk factors for colon cancer

Increased risk factors for colon cancer include:

• You are 50 years of age or older
• Family history of colon cancer
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A poor diet that is high in fat and low in fiber
• Alcohol
• smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• obesity

Ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer

1. Cancer screening: The average person should start colon cancer screening around age 45, but consider screening earlier if you have increased risk factors.
2. feeding: Combine different fruits, Vegetables and whole grains in your diet To harvest their nutrients. Foods such as berries, grapes, broccoli, and brown rice have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that they may contain Benefits of cancer prevention.
3. Smoking and drinking in moderation: You don’t have to Quit cold TürkiyeBut these habits must be practiced in moderation to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
4. He practices: Do exercise regularly It can help maintain a healthy body and weight, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week, or 20 to 30 minutes per day.