Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention & More

by Dr. Matt Olesiak, M.D.

Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer or rectal cancer, depending on its origin. It starts in the large intestine or rectum—the final part of your digestive system. It often begins as small, noncancerous clusters of cells called polyps, which can grow over time. While most polyps are harmless, some can eventually turn cancerous if left untreated.

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What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women.

Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs.

How Common is Colon Cancer?

Unfortunately, colorectal cancers, including colon cancer, are a significant concern today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer ranks as the fourth most common type of cancer in the U.S. when you exclude skin cancers. It’s also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women.

What Are My Odds of Developing Colorectal Cancer?

Your personal risk of colon cancer can vary, but the American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk is about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women. However, individual risk factors, such as lifestyle, genetics, and age, can influence these odds, as we’ll explore below. Colorectal cancer prevention through regular screening and lifestyle changes is crucial in reducing these odds.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

One of the challenges with colon cancer is that many people don’t notice any symptoms until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, which is why regular colorectal cancer screenings are so important.

Some common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Persistent changes in bowel habits
Changes in stool consistency
Abdominal pain or cramping
Anemia due to internal bleeding
Blood in the stool, which may cause it to appear dark brown or black
Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
Bloating
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
A sensation that your bowel isn’t emptying completely
Weakness

It’s important to note that these symptoms don’t always mean you have colon cancer. Many of these signs overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, or infections. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

What Are the Causes of Colon Cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer hasn’t been pinpointed. Like other cancers, it starts when certain cells in the colon or rectum experience DNA changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells accumulate, forming a tumor.

Research into gastrointestinal conditions and liver disease has provided insights into the various factors that may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

While the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors are linked to an increased chance of developing colon cancer:

Age: Colon cancer becomes more common as we age, particularly in people over 50. That’s why regular screenings are recommended once you hit this age milestone. However, an increasing number of younger adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer, leading some to believe that screening guidelines may need revision.
Family History: If someone in your immediate family has had colorectal cancer, your risk of developing it is nearly doubled. This risk grows even higher if multiple family members have had the disease.
Personal History: If you’ve previously had colon cancer or polyps, your risk of developing the disease again is higher.
Low-Fiber Diet: Studies suggest that a diet low in fiber could be linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Experts believe this may be because low-fiber diets slow down digestion, giving carcinogens more time to interact with intestinal cells. On the flip side, a high-fiber diet speeds up digestion, limiting the exposure of your intestines to harmful substances.
Obesity: For men, obesity increases the risk of colon cancer by 30% to 70%. While the link between obesity and colon cancer isn’t as strong in women, obese individuals tend to present with more advanced stages of the disease and face a higher risk of dying from it.
Inactivity: Regular physical activity is shown to reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancers. The more active you are, the lower your risk.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Chronic inflammation in the colon, as seen with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, raises the risk of developing colon cancer.
Diabetes: Individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance have a higher likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. One study found that veterans with diabetes were about one-third more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those without it.
Smoking: Although the link between smoking and colon cancer isn’t definitive, studies show that smokers are more likely to develop colon polyps (adenomas), which can eventually turn cancerous.
Race: African Americans are about 20% more likely to develop colon cancer compared to other racial groups. Additionally, the mortality rate is 45% higher among African Americans.
Alcohol Usage: Drinking alcohol, especially in men, is associated with a higher risk of colon and rectal cancer.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent colon cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings can significantly reduce your risk.

How Colon Cancer Develops

Colon cancer develops in the lining of the colon or rectum, where cells are constantly being replaced. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. However, in people with colon cancer, the cells in the lining of the colon or rectum become abnormal and start to grow and divide uncontrollably.

This can lead to the formation of polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Regular colorectal cancer screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, and catching it early increases your chances of survival. As the National Cancer Institute states, “Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.” But to do that, you need regular checkups and screenings. Several screening methods can help detect colon cancer at an early stage.

1. Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a widely used imaging test where a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the rectum. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can also examine the sigmoid colon, which is the part of the distal colon that connects to the rectum. This allows your doctor to examine the entire colon and rectum for signs of polyps, inflammation, cancer, or other abnormalities. Any polyps or tissue samples can be removed during the procedure for further analysis.

The process takes 30 to 60 minutes and should be done every 10 years starting at age 50. However, the American Cancer Society recommends that those at average risk begin screening at age 45. Colonoscopy is considered the most sensitive screening method available in the U.S. for detecting colorectal cancer.

2.Stool DNA Test

A stool DNA test checks your stool for signs of cancer or precancerous polyps by identifying abnormal DNA or traces of blood. It's an easy and non-invasive option that can be done at home by collecting a sample and mailing it to a lab for analysis. This test is generally repeated every three years. However, it's less sensitive than a colonoscopy at detecting early-stage cancer or polyps.

3. Fecal Occult Blood Test or Fecal Immunochemical Test

These tests detect hidden blood in your stool, which could be a sign of colorectal cancer. Like the stool DNA test, you collect the sample at home and send it to a lab. It's typically recommended to repeat this test annually, but it’s not as sensitive as a colonoscopy for detecting precancerous growths.

4. Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)

According to the Mayo Clinic, a virtual colonoscopy uses CT scans to create cross-sectional images of your abdominal organs, including the colon and rectum. To enhance the clarity of these images, a small tube is inserted into the rectum to inflate the colon with air or carbon dioxide. This procedure is quick, taking around 10 minutes, and is recommended every five years.

Stages of Colon Cancer

The stages of colon cancer are determined by the size of the tumor, the extent of its spread, and the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

The stages of colon cancer are:

Stage 0: Cancer is confined to the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Stage I: Cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the colon or rectum.
Stage II: Cancer has grown through the muscle layer and into the connective tissue.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.

Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of cancer. There are four primary treatment methods:

Surgery: The most common approach, where the tumor is removed.
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Administers drugs that target and destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Involves treatments like monoclonal antibodies that focus on specific molecules within cancer cells.

The right treatment option depends on how far the cancer has advanced.

Complications of Colon Cancer

If left untreated, colon cancer can lead to several complications, including:

Bowel Obstruction: The tumor can block the flow of stool through the colon or rectum, leading to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.
Perforation: The tumor can cause a hole in the wall of the colon or rectum, leading to infection and abscesses.
Bleeding: The tumor can cause bleeding in the colon or rectum, leading to anemia and weakness.
Malnutrition: The tumor can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
Metastasis: The cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or brain, leading to further complications and reduced survival rates.

8 Natural Ways to Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

Improve Diet Quality

One of the most effective ways to lower your risk of colon cancer is by adopting a nutrient-rich diet that includes the following:

1. Eat a Colorful Diet

Make sure your plate is filled with a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables each day. But why does color matter? The pigments that give plants their color are known as phytonutrients, and these compounds offer numerous health benefits. Eating a wide range of colors ensures you're getting a broad spectrum of these nutrients, which can help strengthen your immune system and promote overall health.

Some excellent choices include:

Artichoke
Asparagus
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Green beans
Kale
Orange
Peach
Blueberries
Spinach
Strawberries

2. Increase Fiber Intake

A diet rich infiber promotes regular bowel movements, aids in removing toxins from your digestive system, and may lower your risk of colon cancer. Fiber can also help with weight management, which is another key factor in reducing cancer risk. Be sure to gradually increase your fiber intake to prevent discomfort like bloating or gas.

3. Reduce or Eliminate Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods, which often contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, added sugars, trans fats, and little to no fiber, are associated with an increased risk of many health issues, including colon cancer.

Common ultra-processed foods include:

Potato chips
Cookies
Candy
Pastries
Instant noodles
Soda and carbonated drinks
Microwave-ready meals
Hot dogs
Fast food

4. Get Regular Exercise

Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Start slow, especially if you're new to exercise, and gradually build up to 30 minutes of activity. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can begin increasing the intensity to moderate or high levels for added benefits. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

5. Lose Weight or Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you're overweight, shedding a few pounds can significantly reduce your colon cancer risk. Focus on eating a balanced, high-quality diet paired with regular exercise. Instead of obsessing over calorie counts, focus on the quality of your food. High-quality foods satisfy hunger better and can naturally help you eat less.

Consider speaking to your doctor or a nutritionist for more personalized advice.

6. Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking can be tough, but it’s one of the best steps you can take to reduce your colon cancer risk and improve your overall health.

7. Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Limiting alcohol consumption is another way to lower your risk. The Mayo Clinic recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

FAQ: Understanding Colon Health

Taking care of your colon is essential for overall well-being, as it plays a crucial role in your digestive health. Below are some frequently asked questions about colon health, along with clear and accurate answers to help you stay informed and proactive.

1. Why is colon health important?

Colon health is vital because the colon is responsible for absorbing water, electrolytes, and nutrients from food while eliminating waste. A healthy colon helps ensure your digestive system runs smoothly and lowers your risk of developing digestive issues or more serious conditions like colon cancer.

2. What foods should I eat to maintain a healthy colon?

A diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables is key to supporting colon health. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can promote regular bowel movements and reduce inflammation. It's also important to drink plenty of water to keep your colon functioning optimally.

3. How often should I get a colonoscopy?

For most people, it’s recommended to start colonoscopy screenings at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer. After that, you should have one every 10 years unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need screenings earlier or more frequently.

4. Can stress affect colon health?

Yes, stress can have a negative impact on colon health. Chronic stress can disrupt digestion and lead to issues like constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and a balanced lifestyle can benefit both your colon and your overall health.

5. What are the signs of an unhealthy colon?

Symptoms of an unhealthy colon include persistent constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, bloating, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. These could be signs of underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or even colon cancer. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms consistently.

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