By Tonya DeVaul, APRN-CNP
Gastroenterology Associates of Northwest Ohio

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The encouraging news? Many cases can be prevented—or caught early when treatment is most effective. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when we combine smart lifestyle choices with appropriate screening.

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, often beginning as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. The goal of screening is to detect and remove these polyps before they become dangerous.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that adults at average risk start screening at age 45. Screening might need to start earlier if there's a family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, or if you have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, a genetic syndrome such as Lynch syndrome, or a personal history of polyps.

Several types of colorectal cancer screening are available, such as colonoscopies, fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and stool-based DNA testing. Screening frequency varies; colonoscopies are typically conducted every 10 years, but may be needed sooner depending on findings. FITs must be done annually, while stool DNA testing can be performed every 3 years. For some patients, CT colonography might be an alternative.

While various testing options are available, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening because it allows us to both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Early colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening is vital. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as having regular stools followed by sudden diarrhea and/or constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue related to anemia

If you notice these symptoms, do not delay evaluation by a gastroenterologist.

While we can’t control genetics, we can influence lifestyle risk factors. Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting processed and red meat, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and tobacco use and knowing your family history. 

Early detection matters. When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. In many cases, removing precancerous polyps prevents cancer from ever developing.

One of the most rewarding moments in practice is telling a patient, “Your screening was normal—see you in ten years.” Prevention works. Colorectal cancer is not just an “older person’s disease.” We are seeing increasing rates in younger adults, which is why awareness and timely screening are critical. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and the best screening plan for you. Prevention isn’t complicated—but it is powerful. Your health is worth the conversation.