What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum. These two parts of the large intestine helps your body digest food and remove waste.
Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called polyps (small tissue). Polyps can slowly turn into cancer over many years if not found and removed.
Rising Rates in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer is most common in older adults. In Virginia, it’s the fourth most common diagnosed cancer.
However, rates are increasing in younger adults too. Rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 have been rising over the past 20 years. Studies show incidence rates increasing by around 2 to 3 percent per year in younger adults.
Don’t Ignore the Signs and Symptoms
In early stages, colorectal cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms. But as it grows, symptoms may include:
- A change in bowel habits that last more than a few days. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool (poop).
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
- Blood in the stool that might make the stool look dark brown or black.
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Unintended weight loss.
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
Reduce Your Risk with Healthy Habits
There is no way to completely prevent cancer, but you can help reduce your risk by:
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting the amount of red and processed meats you eat
- Not smoking and limiting alcohol
Catch It Early with Screening
Screening tests can detect cancer early and often finds polyps before they turn into cancer. Treatment works best when cancer is detected early.
People at average risk should begin screening at age 45. People with symptoms or who have a family history should talk to a healthcare provider about getting screened earlier.
There are multiple screening options, the two most common include:
- Stool tests you do at home every 1-3 years
- Colonoscopy in a medical setting every 10 years
Colorectal cancer can be serious, but paying attention to symptoms and getting screened can save lives.