This was originally posted on November 27, 2023 – Updated on May 7, 2025
Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer when it includes the rectum, is a disease that starts in the colon’s inner lining, often as small growths called polyps. While many polyps remain benign, some can turn cancerous over time. Because these changes often happen slowly and without symptoms at first, colon cancer can go unnoticed until it progresses.
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious outcomes. With routine screenings and increased awareness of risk factors and symptoms, colon cancer can often be found and treated before it spreads.
Who Is Most at Risk for Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to develop the condition due to certain risk factors.
- Age: Individuals over age 50 have traditionally been at higher risk, but colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults younger than 50. As a result, guidelines now recommend routine screening begin at age 45, even sooner if additional risk factors are present.
- Family History: Having a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) with colon cancer or advanced polyps significantly increases the chance of developing it. Those with hereditary syndromes like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at particularly high risk.
- Personal History of Polyps or Cancer: Individuals who have previously had colon cancer or certain types of polyps are more likely to develop new cancer in the future.
- Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Long-standing inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase cancer risk by damaging the lining of the colon over time.
- Lifestyle Choices: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in processed or red meat, obesity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol intake are all linked to higher colon cancer risk.
Being aware of these risk factors can help guide screening decisions and inform lifestyle changes that may reduce overall risk.
Signs of Colon Cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious in the early stages. As the disease advances, warning signs may become more noticeable. It’s important to pay attention to the following:
- Changes in Bowel Habits: Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of the stool that lasts more than a few days.
- Blood in the Stool: Bright red blood or dark, tarry stools may indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum.
- Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort: Cramping, gas, bloating, or a feeling that the bowel does not fully empty.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying could be a signal that the body is fighting something more serious.
- Weakness or Fatigue: This may result from blood loss or anemia, often due to chronic internal bleeding.
These symptoms may be caused by other gastrointestinal conditions, but when persistent, they should be evaluated by a medical professional without delay.
How Is Colon Cancer Detected?
Colon cancer screening plays a crucial role in both prevention and early diagnosis. The goal is to identify cancer before symptoms appear, or even before cancer develops, by detecting and removing precancerous polyps.
- Colonoscopy: This is the most thorough and effective screening tool. A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to inspect the lining, and any polyps found can often be removed during the same procedure.
- Stool-Based Tests: These include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), and stool DNA tests, which detect hidden blood or DNA changes in the stool. Positive results may require follow-up with a colonoscopy.
- Imaging Tests: CT colonography (also called virtual colonoscopy) is a less invasive option that uses imaging to look for abnormalities in the colon and rectum.
- Biopsy and Lab Tests: If suspicious growths are identified, tissue samples are collected and analyzed under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- Blood Tests: Although not diagnostic, blood tests like the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test can help monitor cancer progression and response to treatment.
Stages and Treatment of Colon Cancer
Once colon cancer is diagnosed, staging helps determine how far the cancer has spread and what treatments will be most effective. There are five main stages:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer is limited to the inner lining of the colon and can often be removed during colonoscopy.
- Stage I: Cancer has grown into the deeper layers of the colon wall but has not spread beyond. Surgical removal is usually sufficient.
- Stage II: The tumor has penetrated through the colon wall but hasn’t reached the lymph nodes. Surgery is still the primary treatment, with chemotherapy sometimes recommended.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. Treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and possibly surgery to remove affected areas when feasible.
Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis, taking into account the stage of the cancer, the person’s overall health, and personal preferences.
Steps to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
While not all cases of colon cancer are preventable, certain steps can significantly reduce the risk:
- Get Screened: Regular colonoscopies can detect and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. For most adults at average risk, screening begins at age 45 and continues every 10 years, or more often if risk is higher.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Choose foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Limit red meat, processed meats, and foods high in saturated fat.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days to support overall health and colon function.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking contributes to many types of cancer, including colon cancer. Quitting reduces long-term risk.
- Limit Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. Moderation is key.
- Know Your Family History: If colon cancer runs in the family, talk to a healthcare provider about genetic testing or earlier and more frequent screenings.
Trust Northeast Digestive for Colon Cancer Care
Early detection and expert care are key to colon cancer. Our skilled gastroenterologists offer personalized evaluations, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and support throughout your treatment journey.
If you're experiencing symptoms or it's time for your routine screening, contact Northeast Digestive to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified gastroenterologists. We’re committed to providing compassionate, thorough care that empowers you to take control of your digestive health.
