The Rise of Colon Cancer:
How to Stay Ahead of the Disease
Have you been hearing more about colon and rectum cancer lately? We sure have. 🙃 But there’s a reason the medical world is talking about it…
👉 Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death for men under 50 and #2 for women under 50.
And the age group with the biggest risk might surprise you. 😥
That’s right – Millennials and middle-aged Americans are facing a colon cancer crisis so steep, the recommended age for colon cancer screenings is now just 45.
But don’t panic just yet.
Like many of the conditions we cover in our newsletters, you can get ahead of colon cancer by checking in with your body and making healthy life changes!
Let’s review signs of colon cancer, when to seek medical support, and risk factors to consider. 🔍
Early Symptoms of
Colon Cancer
It’s easy to mistake signs of colon cancer with a chronically upset stomach. Before diagnosis, colon cancer patients often describe ongoing belly discomfort like cramps, gas, or pain. 🤒
Some people can get a diagnosis from these signs alone, but it’s more common to notice other symptoms, such as:
☑️ A distinct change in bowel habits, like frequent diarrhea or
constipation
☑️ Blood in your stool or bleeding in the rectal area
☑️ Regular fatigue or reduced exercise stamina
☑️ The feeling that your bowels never seem to fully empty (with
a feeling of straining)
☑️ Urge to have a bowel movement when you don’t actually
need to
☑️ Losing weight without diet or exercise changes
☑️ Change in appetite
When colon cancer goes unnoticed, it’s often because patients assume it’s IBS. And even when symptoms cause concern, many people report feeling too embarrassed to talk to their provider about it. 😕
✅ So, first of all, remember that your doctors are used to talking about these things! They won’t judge you for bringing it up.
✅ Second of all, any form of blood around your stool, toilet, or backside is a major sign it’s time to visit the doctor – especially if symptoms last more than two weeks.
✅ Third of all, if you’re 45 or older, you should already be having regular screenings with your doctor — even if you don’t notice any symptoms.
Other medical complications can also justify seeing a doctor for colon cancer, even before 45! Whether or not you have symptoms, talk to your doctor about a screening if you struggle with:
✔️ Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
✔️ Diabetes and/or obesity
✔️ Past or current rational therapy directed at the abdomen
✔️ Family history of colorectal cancer
We know life can get busy, and it’s hard to make time for these things, but early detection is the key to a safe recovery. 🕵️
When to Visit Your Doctor
Risk Factors to Consider
Unlike other forms of cancer, colon cancer isn’t always genetic:
👉 Sixty percent of those under age 50 who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer had no family history.
And though not all forms of colon cancer are caused by lifestyle or habits, your risk might go up if you:
◾ Eat a very low-fiber, high-fat diet
◾ Smoke tobacco or drink too much alcohol
Thank you for joining us for this edition of our newsletter! From our family to yours, we hope the next month is filled with health, happiness, and a whole lot of joy. 👋
Best,
PFC