Symptoms of colorectal cancer
One way to protect yourself from colorectal cancer is to know the symptoms and when to get checked. When colorectal cancer first develops, you may not have any noticeable signs. If you do have colorectal cancer symptoms, they might be very similar to other common digestive diseases, from infections to irritable bowel syndrome.
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer tend to be related to your digestive system. In rectal cancer, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is one of the most common symptoms, while colon cancer may cause changes in bowel habits or abdominal cramping. As colorectal cancer reaches its later stages, you may have symptoms that affect your whole body, like fatigue or weight loss.
When to see a doctor for colorectal cancer
It's important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor when something feels off with your digestive system. It's common to suffer from digestive upset from time to time, but you should pay attention if you have ongoing symptoms or discomfort. While the cause of your symptoms may not be colorectal cancer, a healthcare professional can help you understand what is wrong.
Visit your doctor if you have any persistent symptoms such as:
- Changes in bowel habits, including frequency
- Changes in the shape of your stool, such as narrowing of the stools
- Feeling like you still need to go after a bowel movement
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain, cramping, pressure or gas
- Sudden weight loss
- Chronic fatigue and weakness
Colorectal cancer causes
Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your colon or rectum multiply and grow rapidly. In most cells, specific genes control how they divide and stay functional. However, if these genes undergo mutations, they might not function properly. This could lead to the formation of cancer. Studies are ongoing to understand why this happens in some people, but researchers have found several factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Several factors increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. In some cases, you can take steps to control or reduce your risk factors, but some may not be within your control. By knowing your risk factors for colorectal cancer and talking with your doctor, you’ll have the information you need to make choices to protect yourself—such as lifestyle changes or routine screenings.
Colorectal cancer prevention
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Through routine screenings, you can often stop colorectal cancer before it starts. Because of the many screening options available to suit your needs, colorectal cancer is considered one of the most preventable types today.
Many factors affect your risk for colorectal cancer and some lifestyle factors are within your control. Healthy dietary choices, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are all preventive actions. If you’re ready to take charge of colorectal cancer prevention, talk with your doctor about your next steps.
Colorectal cancer screening
Following your doctor’s guidance on colorectal screening is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. If you have an average risk of colorectal cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting colorectal screenings at 45.
From stool-based tests to endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy, the guidelines for screening include several options. How often you need screening will depend on which test you choose.
In general, the guidelines recommend the following timing for each type of screening test:
- gFOBT stool test: Annually
- FIT stool test: Annually
- DNA-FIT stool test: Every three years
- Colonoscopy: Every ten years
- Virtual colonoscopy: Every five years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every five years or every ten years when used with yearly FIT
If you have any factors that put you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer, you should talk with your doctor about starting screening sooner. People with risk factors often need screenings earlier and more often. They’re also more likely to need a specific screening type, usually a colonoscopy.
Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of colon cancer
While we don’t know every factor that might increase your risk of colorectal cancer, there are some actions you can take to reduce your risk. Consider focusing on these healthy habits and talk to your doctor for guidance on living well.
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin and NSAIDs might reduce the risk of colorectal cancer when taken regularly. However, these drugs also increase the risk of other digestive conditions, such as ulcers, so you should talk to your doctor before taking them.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is good for your body in many ways, and researchers continue to look at how your diet and colorectal cancer are related. Some studies have shown that limiting red and processed meats in your diet reduces your risk.
- Physical activity: People who exercise regularly, especially moderate to intense exercise, and lead an active lifestyle have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and colorectal polyps.
- Alcohol: Not drinking alcohol or limiting the amount you drink could lower your risk of colorectal cancer. Limits include less than two drinks daily for men and one or fewer for women.
- Stop smoking: Quitting smoking and tobacco use is a great way to reduce your risk of many other types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
- Vitamins, calcium, and magnesium: Some researchers have studied how vitamin D, calcium and magnesium may help lower your risk of colorectal cancer. But research is still underway. Talk with your healthcare provider before you take any vitamins or supplements.
