Preventing Colon and Rectal Cancer: 5 Habits to Give Up Now

Colon and rectal cancer, the world's third most common cancer , can nevertheless be difficult to recognize early. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia may be dismissed as signs of another, less serious problem.

The increase in colorectal cancer, particularly among younger people, is also striking. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle are thought to act together.

One thing is certain, however: colon cancer can be treated effectively when detected early.

In this article, I share common mistakes we should avoid to protect our bowel health.

Here are 5 mistakes to avoid:

1. I Would Never Ignore My Family History

Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for colorectal cancer. Approximately 30% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have family members who have also had the disease. Genetics, shared environmental factors, or a combination of both may explain this.

Knowing your family history is essential because the health of your family members directly affects your colon cancer risk. Ask your parents, siblings, or other relatives, such as your great-grandmother, cousins, or aunts, whether anyone in the family has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

If a first-degree relative has had colon cancer, earlier screening is recommended. Ultimately, your colon health depends substantially on your genes.

• Related topic: Recommendations and genetic counseling for carriers of Lynch syndrome, a cause of hereditary colorectal cancer

2. I Would Not Miss or Delay Colonoscopy and Screening Tests

In recent years, colorectal cancer has increased rapidly among young adults. Although the disease remains rare, this rise further emphasizes the importance of early screening and diagnosis.

In response to this alarming trend, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued new colon cancer screening guidelines in 2021. These recommend that all adults begin screening from age 45 with colonoscopy or stool-based tests.

Regular colonoscopy is particularly important for people with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, because these conditions may increase colorectal cancer risk. However, even healthy people without a family history may develop colorectal cancer.

No matter how healthy your lifestyle is, you need screening once you reach a certain age.

• Related topic: If Colonoscopy Is Normal, Can Screening Intervals Be Extended, and How Much Does Cancer Risk Fall?

3. I Would Never Ignore Unusual or Abnormal Symptoms

Many young adults do not consider that their abnormal symptoms could be cancer. Because they are young, some healthcare professionals may also initially suspect nothing serious. This can delay diagnosis and lead to worse outcomes.

Pay close attention to your body. Notice any new change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks. If your bowel movements are normally regular but you frequently feel constipated, or if you notice blood in your stool, consult a doctor. Diarrhea, fatigue, or unexplained anemia also requires medical assessment.

If your doctor does not take your symptoms seriously, obtaining a second opinion is important. If something truly worries you, you should persist.

4. I Would Not Underestimate the Power of a Healthy Lifestyle

Although the causes of colon cancer are not fully understood, more than half of colorectal cancers are associated with modifiable lifestyle factors.

• Smoking,
• alcohol use,
• obesity, and
• a sedentary lifestyle are thought to increase colon cancer risk.

Conversely, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains may reduce your risk.

There is no perfect predictor of colon cancer, but an overall healthy lifestyle may help.

5. I Would Not Avoid Talking About Stool

Patients should feel comfortable discussing stool. Greater openness can make stool-related problems easier to recognize and diagnose.

An abnormality such as thin stools or blood in the stool may be the only clue. Talking to others is important for understanding whether your experiences are normal.

Stool is an indicator of your health, and discussing it could save your life. We need to break the taboos around this subject.