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Risk Factors
Your Colon Cancer Risk Tool
Click the Colon Cancer Risk Calculator Tool from The Siteman Cancer Center to help determine what your colorectal (colon) cancer risk factors are and what you may be able to do to reduce your chances of being diagnosed.
Other Risks May Include:
- Age. People ages 50 or older, but it has been diagnosed in younger people.
- Race. You have a greater risk of being diagnosed if you are black.
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
If you’ve already had insulin
resistance may have an increased risk of colon
cancer.
Obesity. People
who
are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer.
Alcohol. Heavy
use of
alcohol may increase your risk of colon cancer.
Not eating
healthy. Colon cancer
and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat
and calories.
Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Having ulcerative
colitis
or Crohn’s disease can increase your risk of colon
cancer.
Inherited syndromes. Genetic
syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk
of colon
cancer.
Radiation
therapy for cancer. Radiation
therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the
risk of colon
cancer.
Age Guidelines
It’s important to read the colorectal (colon) cancer age guidelines that follow and make an appointment with your health professional to have age-appropriate screenings.
Early detection of colon cancer can reduce your risk of developing it by up to 90 percent.
It’s important to follow the age guidelines for colorectal cancer screening because detecting and removing polyps early enough, can be the difference between diagnosing it before it starts, curing it if it’s found, or dying from it.
Before age 45,
Ask your health professional about starting your colon cancer checks sooner than the following guidelines if you are black or have a family history of colon cancer. If you have no family history, follow these guidelines:
Signs And Symptoms
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Also, colorectal signs and symptoms can mimic symptoms of other problems. That’s why it’s important to get a yearly doc-check.
- A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. Try to remember to take a look in the bowl after you’ve made.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Reduce Your Chances
Of Getting Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
Colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S, yet seventy-five percent of all cases could be avoided if people learned to take better care of themselves. Reduce the risk of colorectal (colon) cancer by getting a screening exam from your health professional and practicing the following:
- Get your yearly doc-check.
- Check out any unusual signs and symptoms.
- Exercise.
- Eat healthy.
- Lose weight.
- Don’t smoke. Recent studies have shown that smokers are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than nonsmokers.
Resources: Cancer.net, CDC and Dana Farber, Cancer.gov, Mayo Clinic, A Healthier Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can prevent colorectal (colon) cancer altogether because it is one of the easiest to detect and if caught early, it’s curable. Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to questions you may have.
Use the Colon Cancer Risk Calculator Tool from The Siteman Cancer Center on this page. It should help you determine if you do. Read more
It’s important to know that your family health history and race can impact on when to start your Colon Cancer screening checks. Read more
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer can be elusive and can often mimic other health problems. Check out what they are… Read more
It’s important to have regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of the disease.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum . Now read about the second line of defense for reducing the risks. Read more
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