Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. Colon and rectal cancers are often collectively referred to as colorectal cancer.
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths — known as polyps — can turn into cancer, but there are also polyps that don’t become cancerous.
There has recently been a rise in colon cancer in younger adults for reasons that are not completely clear yet. However, this highlights the importance of notifying your physician if you have any concerning symptoms or other bowel concerns.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Most patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have symptoms, but there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of, which may include:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or dark stools
- Abdominal bloating
- Rectal bleeding
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
These symptoms typically develop when the cancer has progressed, so it’s important to proactively screen for cancer early, before symptoms develop.
Is bowel cancer the same as colon cancer?
Bowel cancer and colon cancer both refer to the same type of cancer, which originates from the colon (sometimes called the large bowel) and the rectum. In the United States, doctors largely refer to this type of cancer as colorectal cancer.
How do I know if I need to be screened for colon cancer?
Prompted by a recent alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recently changed its guidelines to align with those of the American Cancer Society and lowered the age for initiation of screening from 50 to 45 years for average risk individuals.
Individuals with certain risk factors, such as having a family history — particularly, people who’ve had younger family members who were diagnosed with colon cancer — or, having a colon or rectal polyp, or having certain diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may need to begin screening earlier.
Screening guidelines include checking stool for blood that can’t be seen, includes sigmoidoscopy, or, a full colonoscopy which looks at your entire colon. The most effective screening is a colonoscopy.
How can I lower my risk of colon cancer?
You can help lower your risk of developing colon cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol intake and stopping — or never — smoking. If you notice any change in your bowel habits or are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor.
About the Medical Reviewer
Dr. Meyerhardt received his MD from Yale School of Medicine in 1997. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center, in Boston, followed by a medical oncology fellowship at DFCI. He joined the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at DFCI in 2002..