Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States. While many people associate this cancer with older age, that perception is changing.
In recent years, doctors have seen a significant increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults — even those without a family history of the disease.
Knowing what steps to take to protect yourself is essential. In this post, the team at Desert West Surgery offers three simple tips to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer now and in the future.
Many young adults are surprised to learn that colon cancer can develop long before their 40s and 50s — the age range typically recommended for colorectal cancer screening. Knowing your personal risk factors for colorectal cancer plays an important role in ensuring you’re screening as early and as often as you should to decrease your risks.
Genetics plays a role, but family history isn’t the only factor. Research shows inherited genetic issues play a role in only about 20% of colon cancer diagnoses. Instead, lifestyle issues and modifiable risk factors — habits you can change — seem to have a far greater influence.
Specifically, diets high in processed foods and low in fiber, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol use have all been linked to higher colon cancer risk. Improving your diet, making exercise part of your routine, and cutting back on unhealthy habits are all critically important steps you can start taking today.
Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can also increase your colorectal cancer risk, as can obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you suffer from one of these issues, having an active management plan is essential for staying healthy.
Although colon cancer frequently causes few or no symptoms in its earliest stages, it’s important to know what signs and symptoms can occur as the condition develops.
Persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or unexplained fatigue can all be early indicators, especially among younger adults. The problem: These symptoms can also be associated with other issues, including stress, which often delays diagnosis.
Bottom line: If something doesn’t seem right, it’s best not to dismiss it or take a “wait and see” approach. Instead, call our team to schedule a visit, so we can review your symptoms and medical history and recommend appropriate testing. Trusting your instincts and seeking evaluation can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.
Screening is one of the most effective tools for preventing colon cancer. In fact, a simple stool test or colonoscopy can help detect subtle changes before noticeable symptoms even occur.
The American Cancer Society now recommends starting routine screening at age 45 for average-risk adults, and earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors.
While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer early, at-home stool tests are also appropriate for certain individuals. Our team recommends the method that’s right for you.
It’s also important to know that screening isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing part of your preventive health journey. Screenings are typically performed every 5-10 years for colonoscopy or annually for stool tests, reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer and providing you with important peace of mind.
Colorectal cancer can develop silently, and having a baseline evaluation is essential for detecting cancer in its earliest stages. To learn more about screening or to find the cause of any unusual change in bowel habits, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a visit at the Las Vegas location nearest you.
