March is colon cancer awareness month. Colon cancer is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer, which effects the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. Despite these alarming statistics, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable if detected early.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer begins as benign polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly for individuals over the age of 50. However, recent studies have shown a rise in cases amongst younger people.

Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer

Age

As you get older, your risk of getting colon or rectal cancer increases—with the vast majority of cases occurring in people over age 50.

The incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults has risen steadily in recent years, but it’s still a very uncommon disease in young people. Experts have not yet identified a cause for this increase.

Lifestyle

The following lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing colon or rectal cancer:

• A sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity)
• Being overweight or obese
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking
• Ethnicity

Your racial and ethnic background can also affect your risk of colorectal cancer. African Americans and Jewish people of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have the highest incidence of colon cancer.

Family History of Colon or Rectal Cancer (or Other Cancers)

If a member of your family—especially an immediate member like a parent, sibling or child—has had colon or rectal cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer. It could be because you share a genetic predisposition or are exposed to the same environment—or both. Are there multiple instances of this disease in your family tree? Or was anyone in your family diagnosed before age 50? If so, there may be an inherited disorder in your family. Talk to your doctor about whether genetic counselling may be right for you.

In addition, if you have already been treated for one of these diseases, you are at a higher risk of developing new tumors in different areas of the colon or rectum.

Personal or Family History of Polyps

Colorectal polyps are noncancerous growths that can occur anywhere in the colon or rectum. Although they are not cancer, polyps should be removed because they can become cancerous in the future. Individuals who have had colon or rectal polyps (especially multiple polyps) are at a higher risk for colon cancer and should be examined regularly by a doctor.

What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer often develops silently, without symptoms in it’s early stage. However, some common symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation)
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and low iron levels

The importance of screening tests

Regular screening is the most effective way to detect colorectal cancer early. Screening can identify precancerous polyps, allowing for their removal before they develop into cancer. It can also detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Several screening tests are available, including:

• Colonoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors examine the entire colon and rectum
• Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): A non-invasive test that detects blood in the stool
• Stool DNA test: A test that looks for DNA changes in cell shed in the stool

Raising Awareness

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, a time to put a spotlight on the importance of regular screenings and early detection.

If you have any symptoms or notice anything unusual, it is important to see your doctor straight away. Early detection can save lives.