Knowledge Is the Key to Colorectal Cancer

Cancers of the lung, breast, and prostate are the cancers more common than colorectal cancer.

But colorectal cancer can also happen at younger ages. And the risk goes up as you get older. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings for colorectal cancer for people at average risk starting at age 45. Some people at high risk should start even earlier. Some screening tests can find and remove small precancer growths called polyps before they have a chance to become cancer. Ask your healthcare provider what test is right for you and how often you need to have it done.

At first, colorectal cancer often has few or no symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get regular screenings. Symptoms can include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• A change in bowel habits
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General stomach discomfort
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

See your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

Most colorectal cancers start as polyps. These are tiny growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum that may become cancer over time.

Family history does raise your risk, but most people with colorectal cancer don't have a strong family history of it. Other risk factors are:

• Increased age (it's more common in those 50 and older)
• A personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Being African American
• Certain diseases of the bowels
• Type 2 diabetes

Other risk factors you can change. For instance, your risk is higher if you are overweight or obese. It's also higher if you:

• Eat a lot of red and processed meats
• Are not physically active
• Drink a lot of alcohol
• Smoke

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Many tests are used for colorectal cancer screening. They include:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). These check for blood in the stool.
• Stool DNA test. This checks the stool for pieces of abnormal DNA from polyps or colorectal cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy. For this test, a thin lighted tube is used to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon. The doctor can use the tube to take out small pieces of tissue, cells, or polyps for testing. It's like a colonoscopy but the scope only advances up through the first section of the colon (sigmoid).
• Colonoscopy. This is a test that looks at the inside of the entire colon through a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope. The doctor can take out small pieces of tissue, cells, or polyps for testing through the colonoscope.
• Virtual colonoscopy. This is a detailed CT scan of the colon and rectum. The preparation to clean out your colon is the same as for sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, but your doctor cannot take biopsies of any polyps. If polyps are seen, you will need a regular colonoscopy.

You get ready for each test in a different way, and each has a different schedule. Talk with your doctor about which test might be right for you. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened. And to get screened at the recommended interval for that specific screening test.

Researchers have found that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk for colorectal cancer. Making moderate or vigorous physical exercise part of your life may help lower your risk. It can also help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. This also lowers your risk.

A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains appears to lower the risk for colorectal cancer. Studies have also found a link between red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, sausage, and deli meats) and colorectal cancer. So eating less of these meats can also help lower your risk for colorectal cancer.