Colon Cancer 101: What You Need to Know

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, excluding skin cancer. Fortunately, diagnosis rates have dropped each year since the mid-1980s, thanks to people getting screened regularly and making healthy lifestyle changes.

The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 106,590 people will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024, and an expected 53,010 will die from the disease. Due to screenings and advancements in treatment, there are now over 1.5 million survivors of  colorectal cancer. While diagnosis rates overall dropped in the last few decades, colon cancer is becoming more prevalent in people under the age of 55.

You Can Never Be Too Young For Colon Cancer

Many people avoid the topic or chore of colorectal screening because they dread going through the prep, are afraid of what the result might be, or think they are too young to be  diagnosed. Being “too young” couldn’t be further from the truth, however. People often fail to understand that cancer does not discriminate against age.

New guidelines recommend those with a higher risk or increased chance of developing colon cancer get screened at the age of 45. You or a loved one may fall into this category if you have:

• A family history of colon cancer
• A personal history of cancer or previously found polyps in past screenings
• A history of inflammatory bowel disease

Know Your Options

Colon cancer is over 90% preventable with regular screenings. It is important to note that many times colon cancer does not present symptoms until it is too late. Getting screened helps your doctor detect cancer in its early stages, so you can begin treatment when it is most effective.

There are several screening methods available today, so don’t put off your screening any longer. If colonoscopy prep has you hesitant to go in for your screening, talk to your gastroenterologist about other options. The bottom line here is: screenings can save your life, so don’t put off tomorrow what you should do today!