A Partner in Health: Understanding and Preventing Colon Cancer

Let us be your companion, especially when you need one the most. Part of having an improved quality of life is staying informed and proactive about your health. Colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is a significant health concern, but it is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.

Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to get screened can drastically improve your outcomes and protect your holistic well-being.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a disease that begins in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Almost all colorectal cancers begin as small, noncancerous growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon. Over time—often many years—some of these polyps can change and become malignant (cancerous).

Because polyps often cause minimal or no symptoms in the early stages, regular screening is crucial for finding and removing these growths before they ever turn into cancer.

Who is Most Likely to Have Colon Cancer? (Risk Factors and Causes)

The development of colon cancer is usually linked to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.

1. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (What You Cannot Change)

• Age: The risk significantly increases after the age of 45. While historically common in those over 50, rates have been rising in younger adults.
• Family History: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer or advanced polyps raises your risk.
• Personal History: If you have previously had colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, your risk is higher.
• Race: Black men and women in the U.S. have the highest rates of colorectal cancer.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which cause long-term inflammation of the colon, increase risk.
• Hereditary Syndromes: Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), drastically increase risk.

2. Modifiable Risk Factors (What You Can Change)

An estimated 90% of colorectal cancers are linked to environmental and lifestyle choices:

• Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats (like bacon, sausage, and lunchmeat) and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is linked to a higher chance of developing—and dying from—colon cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco use damages cells in the colon.
• Heavy Alcohol Use: Excessive consumption of alcohol can increase the risk.

Symptoms: What to Look For

Early-stage colon cancer often has no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and easily mistaken for other issues. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or a persistent feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
• Blood in the Stool or rectal bleeding.
• Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Gas, pain, or cramps that don’t go away.
• Unexplained Weight Loss or persistent fatigue.

How to Avoid and What to Do (Prevention and Action)

The powerful combination of lifestyle changes and regular screening can reduce your risk significantly. Allow our caregivers to assist you with any tasks that you need to accomplish, as well as simply provide you with company at home, supporting these healthy habits:

1. Get Screened

Screening is the most effective preventive measure against colon cancer. A colonoscopy allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.

• Average Risk: Individuals should begin screening at age 45.
• High Risk: If you have a family history or IBD, talk to your doctor about starting screening earlier and being tested more frequently.

2. Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle

• Prioritize Fiber: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber increases stool bulk and reduces the contact time between potential carcinogens and the colon lining.
• Limit Red and Processed Meats: Cut back on consumption of red meat and avoid processed meats.
• Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Our caregivers can provide mobility assistance and encouragement.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Combine a healthy diet with regular activity.
• Quit Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: If you smoke, seek help to quit. Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels (no more than one drink per day for women, two for men).

By staying vigilant about your health, prioritizing screening, and focusing on wellness, you can help minimize the risks of safety and health hazards associated with cancer and maintain your independence.

For more information about how we can be of help to you and your loved ones, especially with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, please do not hesitate to send us a message at a time of your convenience.