Colon cancer is a preventable disease that claims over 50,000 lives in the US each year. It’s essential to understand what causes it and take proactive steps to reduce your risk.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, begins with benign polyps in the large intestine that can become cancerous over time. Symptoms may be mild or absent until advanced stages. The average risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.
Several factors increase your risk: family history, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, Type 2 diabetes, age (most cases occur after 50), and lifestyle behaviors such as a diet high in red meat, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Preventing colon cancer is possible through healthy dietary habits, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol, and getting screened regularly. A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk. Regular physical activity helps reduce inflammation, boosts immune function, and improves insulin sensitivity.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting colon cancer screening at age 45 for those at average risk, and earlier for those with a family history. Options include a colonoscopy, stool-based multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA), or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, with around 90% chance of surviving colon cancer if caught early.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/07/16/how-to-prevent-colon-cancer/84441035007