The American Cancer Society estimates there are about 106,590 new ones cases of colon cancer in America by 2024. While incidence rates for older adults decreased about 1% annually from 2011 to 2019, among people younger than 55, rates increased by 1% to 2% every year since the mid-1990s.

By mid-2024, the US Food and Drug Administration approved blood test for colorectal cancergiving people a new, less invasive option for cancer screening. While it is still provided by the doctor’s office, Guardant Health (manufacturer of the Shield blood test) Office has partnered that it is covered by Medicare, which will expand access to early detection and treatment of cancer to more people. According to Guardant, it is approved for people at average risk of the disease who are 45 and older.

Knowing the signs and being proactive in care is important for colon cancer recovery. Below, we discuss the signs of colon cancer, its risk factors and things you can incorporate into your daily life to lower your risk of CRC.

What is colon cancer?

The colon is part of the large intestine; Colon cancer forms here when there is an abnormal growth of polyps that turn into cancerous cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, the polyps are small and may cause few or no symptoms. Regular screening is recommended, especially if there are risk factors or showing signs of colon cancer.

According to a report from Yale UniversityColon cancer tends to grow differently in men compared to women. Colon cancer rates are lower in women, but they are also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive type of colon cancer.

Signs of colon cancer

• Changes in your bowel movements or stool formation
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in the stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent abdominal pain, discomfort or cramps
• Bowels do not feel empty

Colon cancer risk factors

Additional risk factors for colon cancer include:

• You are 50 years or older
• Family history of colon cancer
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Bad food that is high in fat and low in fiber
• alcohol
• Smoking
• A sedentary lifestyle
• obesity

Ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer

1. Cancer screening: The average person should start screening for colon cancer at age 45, but consider screening earlier if you have additional risk factors.
2. nutrition: Include different fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet to harvest their nutrients. Foods such as berries, grapes, broccoli and brown rice contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may contain cancer prevention benefits.
3. Cigarettes and drinking in moderation: You don’t have to quit cold turkeybut these habits should be done in moderation to lower your risk of colon cancer.
4. Exercise: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy body and weight, which reduces the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week, or 20 to 30 minutes per day.