While colorectal cancer is traditionally associated with older adults, diagnoses among younger individuals have increased in recent years. This highlights the importance of understanding and addressing key risk factors across all age groups.
Factors for risk of colorectal cancer include age, family history, personal medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Regular screenings and healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk.
What Are the Chances of Getting Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancers, for both men and women. Overall, the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer has been dropping since the mid-1980s.
For example, incidence rates dropped about 1% per year between 2011 and 2019. This is thanks in large part to more people undergoing screenings and making healthy lifestyle changes.
That said, while the overall rate has dropped, incidence rates for individuals below the age of 55 have seen an increase in cases by 1 to 2% since the mid-1990s.
What Puts You at Risk of Colorectal Cancer
There are multiple factors that can contribute to your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Some factors can be controlled through easy preventative measures. Other factors are beyond the scope of what healthy lifestyle habits can address.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Age
- Family history
- Personal medical history
- Lifestyle
Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing colorectal cancer to learn what you can do to help detect or possibly prevent it.
Age
Age and colorectal cancer risk are closely connected with most diagnoses occurring after the age of 50. The disease often develops silently over years before detection. For instance, a 55-year-old individual’s risk of colorectal cancer is substantially higher than that of a 30-year-old. This is due to the cumulative effects of aging on cellular processes and DNA damage. The average person’s risk peaks by age 64.
Family History
Having a family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk. This is especially true if multiple relatives have had the disease. Inherited gene mutations, though rare, can also lead to conditions that elevate your risk. For example, if you have a parent and sibling who has had colorectal cancer, you’re more likely to develop it than someone who doesn’t.
Personal Medical History
Your personal medical history is crucial in assessing colorectal cancer risk. Certain medical conditions can increase your risk, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
Ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancer can increase your chances. This means that a past case of breast cancer increases your risk of colorectal cancer. People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are often diagnosed at later stages. This further complicates treatment and outcomes.
Lifestyle
While genetic factors are uncontrollable, lifestyle choices significantly impact colorectal cancer risk. Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk. The same is true if you follow a diet low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber but high in fats and processed meats.
A sedentary individual with a poor diet has a higher risk compared to someone who exercises regularly and maintains a balanced diet. Making healthier choices not only reduces cancer risk but promotes overall longevity.
Can You Avoid Colorectal Cancer?
While there’s no foolproof method to prevent colon cancer, you can take several steps to significantly lower your risk. Starting at age 45, regular colorectal cancer screenings are crucial. They can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they progress to cancer. For those with a family history of colon cancer, genetic testing may be recommended to assess individual risk.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is equally important. This includes eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. At the same time, reduce your consumption of red and processed meats. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also vital, as obesity is a known risk factor for colon cancer.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can further decrease your risk. For those who drink alcohol, it’s recommended to limit consumption to one drink daily for women and two for men. Making these lifestyle changes and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your chances of colon cancer.
Colorectal Cancer in Indiana
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It’s also the third most common form of cancer for both men and women.
Colorectal cancer is particularly concerning in our home state of Indiana. A 2017 report found that Indiana ranks at number 10 for cases of colorectal cancer per 100,000 people in the contiguous United States.
It’s important to note that Indiana reported the highest number of colorectal cancer cases out of the top 10. The disease is the fourth most common form of new cancer diagnoses as well as cancer-related death in Indiana, regardless of sex or ethnicity.
Statistics like this show why it’s so important to understand your risk of colorectal cancer. Knowing your risk factors helps you develop a plan with your healthcare team to reduce your risk. You can also develop a plan for surgery if it becomes necessary.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Early detection is key when it comes to the fight against colorectal cancer. This is why you need a colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer screenings vary so it’s important to talk with your physician about which screening is right for you. This can be based on different factors including your family and personal health history.
Types of colorectal cancer screenings include:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool tests
- Sigmoidoscopy
Screenings for colon and colorectal cancer become increasingly important as you get older, so don’t put them off. As our own Dr. Anthony Kaiser explains:
[QUOTE] Beginning around age 50, colon cancer screenings should be an important part of your healthcare routine. People with increased risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, should consider earlier and more frequent screenings. [QUOTE]
What To Expect During a Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer screenings come in different types with colonoscopy being the most comprehensive. During a colonoscopy, you’re given medication to relax. You may also be asked to follow dietary restrictions and take a special cleanse beforehand to clear your colon. The doctor will use a thin tube with a camera to examine your colon for polyps or tumors.
Fecal occult blood tests are another type of screening that checks for blood in stool samples. A sigmoidoscopy examines the lower part of the colon. Some screenings may also use CT scans (virtual colonoscopy) or stool DNA tests. The type of screening recommended will depend on your individual risk factors and medical history.
Colorectal Surgery in Evansville, Indiana
Colorectal Surgical Associates provide specialized care in Evansville and the Tri-State Region, combining:
- Advanced technology
- Expert care
- Convenient local access
Our colorectal surgeons specialize in treating conditions affecting the bowels, colon, and rectum. They also strive to put you at ease when discussing sensitive topics. While surgical intervention is not always necessary, our surgeons play a crucial role in screening, preventing, and treating colorectal cancer. This is very important with the disease on the rise among adults under 50.
We offer private consultations to address your concerns and discuss treatment options. Our surgeons perform routine screenings and examinations for various colorectal conditions every day. They prioritize patient comfort and welcome questions, providing compassionate care with specialized expertise.
