Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why Screening and Lifestyle Matter

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet still common cancers affecting Americans today. The disease develops in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and often begins as small growths called polyps. While these polyps may not cause symptoms at first, some can eventually develop into cancer over time.

In recent years, physicians have noticed an alarming trend: younger adults are now being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In fact, colorectal cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in people under the age of 50. As a hematologist and oncologist, I am personally witnessing an increase in the number of younger patients with this disease — something that was far less common a few decades ago.

The encouraging news is that colorectal cancer is treatable when detected early, and screening can prevent it by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.

What Is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the colon or rectum. Most cases begin with polyps that slowly change over time. Because these growths often develop without noticeable symptoms, people may not realize anything is wrong until the disease has progressed.

Routine screening allows physicians to find and remove these polyps early, dramatically lowering the risk of cancer.

Signs and symptoms

One of the challenges with colorectal cancer is that it can often be asymptomatic, meaning people may have no noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed. Because colorectal cancer may develop silently for years, timely screening is critical for early detection.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Persistent abdominal or stomach pain
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but they should never be ignored. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should speak with their healthcare provider.

Who is at risk?

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Age - Risk increases with age, which is why routine screening is recommended beginning at age 45 and continue until age 75.
• Family history and genetics - People with a family history of colorectal cancer or inherited genetic conditions may need to begin screening earlier.
  • If a relative was diagnosed at age 40, screening may begin at age 30.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors - Lifestyle factors are playing a growing role in colorectal cancer risk. Many cases we see today are linked to modifiable factors, including:
  • Diets high in processed or red meats
  • Obesity
  • Less physical activity
  • Diabetes and hypertension
  • Excess consumption of sugary beverages (e.g., sodas and fruit drinks)

Research shows that diet can significantly influence risk. People who consume five servings of red meat per week increase their colorectal cancer risk by about 13%, while frequent intake can raise the risk by as much as 50%. Drinking two or more sugary beverages per day has also been linked to doubling the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer.

Unfortunately, colorectal cancers diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s often behave more aggressively than those diagnosed later in life, making prevention and early detection even more important.

Screening and early detection

Screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent colorectal cancer.

One of the most effective screening tools is a colonoscopy, which allows physicians to examine the colon and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

Today, awareness of colonoscopy screening is much higher than it was 20 to 30 years ago. However, despite improved awareness, lifestyle factors are contributing to rising rates of the disease in younger adults.

Treatment options

If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, treatment depends on how advanced the disease is.

Common treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Often used to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Sometimes used for cancers located in the rectum.
• Targeted therapies or immunotherapy: In certain advanced cases.

When detected early, colorectal cancer has a much higher survival rate, and treatment may be less extensive.

Prevention: Small changes, big impact

Many colorectal cancer risk factors are within our control. Taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle can significantly lower risks.

Helpful preventive measures include:

• Getting regular colorectal cancer screenings
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Increasing physical activity
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limiting red and processed meats
• Reducing sugary beverage consumption
• Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting screened at the recommended age can save lives. If you are approaching age 45, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, speak with your healthcare provider about when you should begin screening. Early detection remains our best defense against this disease.

Author

By Ather Mehboob, MD, Hematology Oncology, AIS Cancer Center: Adventist Health Bakersfield