Did you know that colon cancer is one of the most common cancers? About 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and it affects both men and women equally.
Like other types of cancer, colon cancer can pose a serious threat to your health, but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when it’s caught early. Understanding the key facts about this disease can empower you to take proactive steps for your health.
With four locations serving Houston and Katy, Texas, Maria Scouros, MD, and our team at Houston Cancer Institute are here to help.
Here are three essential facts everyone should know about colon cancer.
It’s easy to assume that you’ll notice warning signs if you have a disease as serious as cancer, but the truth is that colon cancer often develops silently. In its early stages, there may be no symptoms at all.
The longer colon cancer goes untreated, it can progress and begin to cause more noticeable symptoms. These can include:
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions, and they don’t necessarily mean cancer. However, it’s essential to see a doctor for proper evaluation. Dr. Scouros and our team offer diagnostic colonoscopies, biopsies, and advanced imaging tests to stage your cancer.
By the time you notice symptoms, colon cancer may already be in an advanced stage, making it harder to treat. Regular screenings, like colonoscopies, help detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer before symptoms develop.
Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through regular screening. The most effective test is a colonoscopy, which involves examining your large intestine with a thin, flexible tube that has a camera attached.
It’s a test that allows doctors to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most adults begin screening at age 45, though those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier.
Along with colonoscopy, we may recommend other screening methods, including stool-based tests that detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA, flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine part of your colon, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) to provide detailed imaging of your colon.
Regular screenings significantly reduce your risk of developing advanced colon cancer and also help improve survival rates. When detected early, colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 90%, making screening one of the most powerful tools in prevention.
Genetics play a role in colon cancer risk, which means there are certain factors you can’t change. However, lifestyle factors also have a big impact, and you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by making healthy choices.
A few examples of habits that can help lower your risk are:
Even small changes to your diet and exercise routine can make a big difference in lowering your risk over time. And remember: the best thing you can do is to get regular colon cancer screenings because colon cancer is highly treatable when it's in early stages.
If you're due for a colon cancer screening or have concerns about your digestive health, schedule an appointment today at Houston Cancer Institute by calling our nearest office or using the online request form.
