Colon cancer diagnoses are on the rise. About 100,000 colon cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Therefore, it’s important for you to understand if you’re at risk for developing it and the appropriate measures you should take to help prevent it. At the OSUCCC – James, our multidisciplinary team of colon cancer experts are conducting groundbreaking research to better understand how to prevent this disease.
Colon cancer prevention
Like many other cancers, there isn’t a single way to prevent yourself from getting colon cancer. Experts are still researching why some people get the disease and others don’t.
Currently, the biggest tool we have to help prevent colon cancer is through preventive screening. Preventive screening often detects precancerous lesions or colon cancer while it's still early and curable. As you age, there’s an increased likelihood that you could develop colon cancer. Therefore, it’s recommended that if you’re 45 or older, you undergo a routine colonoscopy. During this procedure, a specialist will look for precancerous colon polyps (small growths in the large intestine) and remove them if it’s safe to do so, thus decreasing your risk of getting colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend you undergo earlier screening if you’re at an increased likelihood of developing colon cancer due to risk factors or have symptoms that don’t go away. Ask your doctor if you're at an increased risk or take our free risk assessment.
Colon cancer risk factors
Preventive screening is important to help reduce your risk of colon cancer. However, it’s important to understand the role that risk factors play in colon cancer.
Risk factors are anything that could increase the likelihood of developing a disease. There are some factors you can influence and others you can’t.
Understanding these risk factors can help you make informed decisions with your doctors.
Colon cancer risk factors you can’t influence
- Age
- Being 45 years of age or older
- Having other medical conditions
- A history of colon or rectal cancer
- Colorectal polyps, confirmed diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Previous cancer in the ovary, breast or endometrium
- Having a hereditary condition such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Having type 2 diabetes
- Family history
- Colon or rectal cancer in a close family relative (parent, brother, sister or child)
- Colon or rectal cancer in multiple relatives, including uncles, aunts, grandparents
- Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
Risk factors for colon cancer you can influence
- Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet high in fiber and avoiding processed meats
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco — a current or previous history of tobacco use is associated with colon cancer
- Limiting alcohol
It’s important to remember that just because you have one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get colon cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor to fully understand your risks.
Related resources
Colon Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon Cancer Treatment
Colon Cancer Treatment Team
Colorectal Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Younger Patients