Colorectal cancer: Ways to prevent it and how to recognize symptoms

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that occurs in the colon, in the rectum or in both the colon and the rectum. In 2023, colorectal cancer affected around 150,000 people.² It can affect all age groups, but most cases in the United States are seen in adults between the ages of 65-74. The risk of developing CRC typically increases after age 50. In recent years, more people have been diagnosed with CRC at a younger age.³

Older adults and Black men and women are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer than other races. Black individuals also have an increased risk of dying from colorectal cancer than other groups of people. ³

Since you know the effects of having colorectal cancer, it’s important to prevent developing the disease if possible. Let’s discuss some ways that you may help to prevent colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer prevention

Decreasing your risk factors for colorectal cancer may prevent you from developing the disease. Smoking and obesity are two key factors that you can manage.

Here are some of the ways that you can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

• Stop smoking, including vaping

• Lose weight if you are overweight

• Get regular exercise

• Get regular screenings that can show if you have polyps (growths in the lining of the colon or rectum)
• Have polyps removed

Colorectal cancer screening

Usually colorectal cancers start as polyps. This is why it is important to have regular screenings that can look at the lining of your colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is a procedure where a scope with a camera is placed into your digestive tract. During the procedure, your physician can examine your digestive system to look for abnormal growths. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that people with average risk start getting colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.⁴ If you’re of average risk, you should have a colonoscopy every 10 years or a stool sample test every 1-3 years. In people with high or increased risk of CRC, the recommendations for screening are more frequent. Screening tests are recommended at age 40 years, or an age based on their specific risk and tests should be repeated every 5 years unless otherwise indicated.^5-6 Speak with your doctor to determine if you are at a high or increased risk of colorectal cancer.

There is also a newer blood test option for detecting colorectal cancer. The test may show false positive results, but it is accurate 83% of the time.⁷

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight increases risk of developing colorectal cancer and death from colorectal cancer.³ If you are overweight or obese, it’s important that you lose weight and maintain your new healthy weight. Your weight loss method should include eating healthy foods and staying physically active. Incorporating these lifestyle changes will help you keep your weight in a healthy range.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Let’s talk about some common symptoms of colorectal cancer. If you notice a combination of any of the following symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about screening for colon cancer.

These are the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer⁸:

• Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days
• Blood in the stool (you may notice red blood or your stool may look black)
• Bleeding directly from your rectum
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement, but not feeling relieved after having one
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unexpected weight loss
• Low red blood cell count

FAQ

Is colorectal cancer and colon cancer the same thing?

Colorectal cancer includes colon cancer and/or rectal cancer.

Can colorectal cancer be prevented?

There are many risk factors for developing colorectal cancer. Family history and genetic conditions can’t be prevented. Other risk factors are preventable. Preventing these risk factors may lower the chances that you’ll develop cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular colorectal cancer screenings can help lower risks. 

How will I know if I have colorectal cancer?

If you have colorectal cancer, you may see changes in your bowel habits. Pay attention to the look and frequency of your bowel movements. If you notice bright red blood in your stool or dark black stools combined with consistent constipation or diarrhea, you may want to ask your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer for a proper diagnosis. Some people also lose weight unexpectedly. 

Key Takeaways: 

• There are things you can do to prevent colorectal cancer. The most important ways to prevent development of cancer of the digestive tract are to maintain a healthy weight and get regular colon screenings.
• Black men and women are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer and dying as a result of colorectal cancer.
• If your healthcare provider finds polyps on your colonoscopy, it doesn’t automatically mean that you have colorectal cancer. You should ask your doctor about the benefits of having the polyps removed.