The One Thing Colon Cancer Doctors Say You Should Never, Ever Do
Colon cancer is growing increasingly common, especially among younger adults. Adults under 50 have seen increasing rates of colorectal cancer since the 1990s, even as rates have dropped among older adults.
Thankfully, the disease is still relatively rare, affecting about one percent of adults, but that's still one in every 100 people.
Colorectal surgeons and surgical oncologists agree that there is one major factor at play in terms of detecting, treating and recovering from colon cancer—and it's within your control.
Related: 4 Signs of Colon Cancer In Women
The One Thing Doctors Who Treat Colon Cancer Say You Should Never, Ever Do
Colorectal surgeons and oncologists say the worst thing you can possibly do is to forego colon cancer screenings—especially if you have a family history of the disease or notice anything unusual with your digestion or excretion, like blood in your stool.
"While the rate of colonoscope screening has increased over the last few decades, the lack of age-based screening continues to be the most significant risk of developing colon cancer," Dr. Paul Johnson, MD, a colorectal surgeon and surgical oncologist at Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, tells Parade. "When an abnormal growth in the colon, known as polyps, are removed completely during a colonoscopy, they cannot progress to cancer."
Getting regular screenings is especially important as you get older, Dr. Kyle S. Eldredge, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Advanced Surgical Physicians in Wellington, Florida, notes.
"One of the biggest risk factors for the development of colon cancer is age, with most cases being diagnosed after the age of 45. Unfortunately, we are unable to change the fact that we age," he says. "However, avoidance of routine screening will not allow the identification and removal of benign polyps, which are then able to advance to cancers, or allow early-stage cancers to advance to late-stage cancers."
It's also important to remember that not all colon cancer screenings are as uncomfortable and intensive as, say, a full-on colonoscopy (which is still a lot less uncomfortable than colon cancer—and has actually gotten less uncomfortable with time).
"If you or someone you know is opposed to a colonoscopy, there are other tests and samples available to you," Dr. William E. Wise Jr., MD, a colorectal surgeon at OhioHealth cancer services, says. "Cologuard and stool samples can be less invasive. But the best way to truly prevent a diagnosis is to take your lifestyle into your own hands. Pay attention to recommendations from resources like the American Cancer Society when looking for guidance on when to get screened."
Related: Katie Couric on the Importance of Early Colon Cancer Screenings
What Are the Biggest Causes of Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer risk factors can vary from patient to patient. "There are two ways to look at this. When speaking about colon and colorectal cancers, there are things that people can't control such as genetics, age, family history or other genetic predispositions," Dr. Wise explains. "And then there are the things that you can control, such as your lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc."
In terms of lifestyle, Dr. Wise advises that inactivity, obesity and smoking can up your risk for colon and colorectal cancers (as well as a slew of other health issues), and Dr. Eldredge notes that alcohol intake may be a factor in colon cancer as well.
As far as what you eat, experts agree that diets high in the following foods may increase your colon and colorectal cancer risk:
Beef
Fried foods
Pork
Processed meats
Refined grains
Soda
Sugar
Related: A Colon Cancer Survivor's Best Advice on Coping With and Overcoming the Disease
What Are Some Common Signs of Colon Cancer?
"Colon cancer is often a 'silent disease,' which means you don't know you have it until symptoms occur at later stages," Dr. Jacquelyn Charbel, MD, a colorectal surgeon and assistant professor of orthopedic surgical specialties at MSU Health Care in Lansing, Michigan, says. That's why colon cancer screenings are really important, because by the time you show symptoms, your cancer may be at a later stage. That said, some signs you could see include:
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Bloody stool
Decreased appetite
Fatigue
Rectal bleeding
Thin stool
Unintended weight loss
Related: The Common Early Colon Cancer Sign Most People Miss
How Can You Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk?
According to Dr. Cybil Corning, MD, a colorectal surgical specialist at Arizona Oncology, the best way to lower your colon cancer risk is to start learning your family history regarding colon cancer and undergoing early and routine screenings. Other prevention methods can include:
Avoiding processed foods (especially processed meats)
Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet
Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables (especially dark, leafy greens)
Exercising regularly
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
Next, Check Out Five More Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer
