Colorectal cancer is a scary diagnosis—no butts about it. It can also be an uncomfortable topic to talk about or even think about, so please forgive the occasional light-hearted wordplay about athis serious disease.
Colorectal cancer, which is also referred to as colon cancer, is cancer in the colon or rectum. Let’s start with a quick biology lesson: the colon, also known as the large intestine or the bowel, is the final portion of the digestive tract. It connects to the rectum, which stores stool—poop, in non-scientific terms—until it pushes it out through the anus. Most colorectal cancers start as abnormal growths, called polyps, on the lining of the colon or rectum, but it’s important to note that not all polyps become cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer impacting men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). Men have a one-in-23 risk of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime and women have a one-in-25 risk. While that’s not great news, there’s hope: the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for decades, likely because of earlier detection through screenings, improved treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. Read on to learn about risk factors and prevention tips to help keep you on…tract!
Are you at risk for colorectal cancer?
Age is one of the main risk factors for colorectal cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90 percent of colon cancer cases happen to men and women age 50 and older. In addition, the following factors may also increase your risk:
- A history of inflammatory bowel disease
- A family history of colon disease or polyps
- An inherited syndrome such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis
- A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- An inactive lifestyle
- A diet that’s low in fiber and high in fat, including red meat and processed meat
- Tobacco use
- Moderate to heavy drinking
- Your ethnic background. African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews experience colorectal cancer at higher rates
How to lower your risk for colorectal cancer
Who doesn’t love a healthy gastrointestinal tract? There are a number of steps you can take to minimize your risk and prevent colorectal cancer, including regular doctor visits and a few lifestyle commitments. For better bowel health, here’s what you should consider.
- Get screened by a healthcare professional. Between ages 50 and 75, you should schedule regular colorectal cancer screenings, such as a colonoscopy. As mentioned above, colorectal cancer begins as abnormal growths called precancerous polyps, and those can exist for years prior to developing into cancer. Screening allows for early detection and, if needed, early intervention.
- Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. People who prioritize healthy diets may have a lower risk of colorectal cancer. For guidance on how much of each food group to eat, follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate model, which encourages you to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with grains, and one-quarter with proteins. When considering which proteins to choose, opt for lean proteins, like seafood and poultry. Minimize red meat and processed meats (like hot dogs and lunch meats), because those may increase your risk for colon or rectal cancer.
- Move more, sit less. Research shows that physical activity could decrease the risk of colon cancer by 15 percent. Pick an activity you like, or try something new, and aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity or a combination of the two each week. Bonus: exercise and a healthy diet may help you maintain a healthy weight, which could also diminish your risk for cancer—it’s a triple win!
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Tobacco products and alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you smoke, chew or vape, there’s never been a better time to quit. And if you consume alcohol, do it in moderation. The American Cancer Society says that people who opt to imbibe should limit it to one drink a day for women and two for men.
While the health of your colon can be a sensitive subject, it’s a common point of discussion for healthcare professionals. So don’t be shy: if you have any concerns about your lower gastrointestinal tract, or if you think you should be screened for colorectal cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider or make an appointment with a gastroenterologist today.
