If you or a loved one is suddenly facing colon cancer, it can be overwhelming. Today, we’re going to learn a bit more about this condition through a few facts. We’ll also answer a couple of questions for you, too: what are subtle signs of colon cancer, and what causes colon cancer. Let’s jump right in.
Five Colon Cancer Facts You Should Know
#1: Young People Can Get Colon Cancer, Too
While colon cancer is most common in people over the age of 50, it can occur in people of all ages. In fact, many cancer cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 50, and this number is rising. Most of these cases are due to hereditary conditions like FAP or Lynch syndrome.
It can help to know the signs, too – especially if you are a younger individual who doesn’t even have colon cancer on their radar. What are subtle signs of colon cancer? Here are a few:
A change in your bowel habits that lasts several days or more
Blood (bright or dark) in your stool
Neverending fatigue
Abdominal cramping or unexplainable “bloating”
Strange, unintentional weight loss
#2: Men Seem to Be More at Risk
While colon cancer is often thought of as a man's disease, the statistics appear to back this up. According to one research summary, “CRC incidence rates are 30% higher in men than in women, with larger disparity for rectal cancer than for colon cancer.” This statistic doesn’t impact the importance of screening for women, however – especially because “women are more likely than men to develop adenomas in the proximal colon, which are less efficiently detected through screening.”
#3: You Can Control Some of Your Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors for colon cancer, including age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. However, there are also a number of risk factors that you can control. So, what causes cancer that we know of? Things such as smoking, obesity, and a diet low in fiber will definitely contribute to your risk. You can also avoid known carcinogens such as heavily processed meats and foods with heavy metals.
#4: Colon Cancer Is Often Curable
If colon cancer is caught early, it is often curable. That's why it is so important to get screened for the disease. Screening can help detect colon cancer early, when it is most treatable. To get screened for colon cancer, all you need is a colonoscopy. Most healthcare practitioners recommend screening every 5-10 years once you hit age 45 or 50.
#5: If You Are Predisposed, You’ll Start Screening Earlier
We get it, colonoscopies aren’t fun. However, they are a small price to pay for early, life-saving intervention that can be successful before the cancer advances too far. If you have any of the risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should start screening earlier.
Bonus Fact: You Do Have Surgical Options for Colon Cancer
Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we have a team of general surgeons who have specialized in colorectal and anorectal conditions – like colon cancer. They are well-versed in your options that can help you remove as much of your tumor as possible. From partial bowel resections to simple tumor excisions, our surgeons can walk you through all of your options – and how they might work for you and the other treatments your oncologist recommends.
If you’re looking for a board-certified colorectal specialist to help you with your colon cancer diagnosis, get in touch with our office today or ask for a referral from your oncologist.
Our Colorectal Surgeons: Dr. Itriago, Dr. Mino, and Dr. Park
