It’s time to talk about colorectal cancer. This type of cancer, which starts in the colon or the rectum, is something that’s been baffling researchers lately. After more than a decade of decline, doctors are now seeing rates of diagnosis rising at an alarming rate in younger adults, ranging in age from their mid-20s to late 50s.

To turn the tides, it’s important to increase awareness about bowel cancer, and separate the myths from the facts. Because when you learn about healthy habits, stay on top of your routine screenings and maintain an open dialogue with your doctor, you may lower your risk for bowel cancer, and help bring down the statistics.

Myth: Colorectal cancer is rare.
Fact: Bowel cancer is the third most-diagnosed cancer for men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In their lifetime, approximately one in 24 men and one in 26 women will receive a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. People of certain backgrounds—including non-Hispanic Black people and non-Hispanic Indian and Alaska Native people—face a higher risk of developing this kind of cancer, and Non-Hispanic Black people face the highest risk of death from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Myth: If I had colorectal cancer, I would know it.
Fact: In the early stages, this kind of cancer may not cause symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get the screenings your doctor recommends and take care of your health.

 

Myth: I don’t have a family history of colon cancer so I don’t need to get screened.
While it’s true that some people may be genetically predisposed to developing colorectal cancer, it can also impact people with zero family history. The American Cancer Society recommends that people with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin getting regular screenings at age 45, using either a stool-based test or a visual test, such as a colonoscopy. (Learn more about those tests here). Your doctor can recommend the right test for you.  

 

Myth: Colorectal cancer only affects older adults.
Fact: While bowel cancer is more common in older adults, it’s on the rise among younger people, as mentioned. According to the Mayo Clinic, incidences of colorectal cancer have doubled in younger adults since 1990. Still, it’s important to put that number in context: this kind of cancer is still rare among the younger set, affecting fewer than 1% of them.

Myth: The way I eat doesn’t impact my health or my cancer risks.
Fact: Your food choices could help lower your risk for colorectal cancer. According to Stanford Medicine, eating a diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains and beans, and low in red meat, processed meat, fast food and alcohol could be beneficial. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your risk for this type of cancer.

Myth: Smoking tobacco will have no impact on the health of my bowels.

Fact: Long-time smokers are more likely to develop colorectal cancer and to die from it than those who don’t smoke, according to the American Cancer Association. In addition, smoking increases the risk for developing colon polyps. For help quitting tobacco, visit here.

Myth: Colonoscopies are uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Fact: During a colonoscopy, you’ll be under anesthesia, so you won’t feel or remember anything. While some people find the preparation to be unenjoyable, the options have improved over the years, with some doctors prescribing pills and others opting for fluids. Talk to your doctor about what choices you have.

And, while it’s true that you may need to take time off of work and schedule a ride, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a preventive action that could benefit you in the future and save you from a litany of inconveniences and more. In other words, if you don’t get screened, the repercussions could be far worse.