Understanding Colorectal Cancer

The Facts on Colorectal Cancer

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The following factors have been shown to increase your risk for Colorectal Cancer

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore should be avoided as consistently as possible. It is important to focus on these lifestyle choices in order to help offset the risk factors that are uncontrollable! 

Smoking & Drinking

All amounts of tobacco and alcohol intake have been linked to increased risk. Avoid smoking and limit drinking to 1-2 drinks. (1)
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Red & Processed Meat Intake

Consumption of both has been linked to higher rates. Both are believed to increase inflammation, a factor involved in cancer development. (2)
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Cooking at High Temperatures

Cooking at high temperature creates unhealthy byproducts in oils and is linked to increased risk. Avocado oil is safest at high temperatures. (3)
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Lack of Fiber

Fiber is the most important factor supporting a healthy digestive system, especially in your lower bowels like the colon and rectum. (4)
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Overweight or Obese

Being overweight or obese puts you at increased risk of most chronic conditions. Colorectal cancer is no exception. (5)
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Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Older Age

As you age, your risk for all cancers, including colorectal cancer, increases. (6)
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Night & Rotating Shifts

In a nurse's health study, those that worked night shifts at least 3 times a week for 15 or more years had an increased risk of colorectal cancer. (7)
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Family History

If there is a history of colorectal cancer in your immediate or extended family, your risk is elevated. (8)
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Racial/Ethnic Background

Specific races/ethnicities show increased incidence rates. African American and Ashkenazi Jews show the highest rates .(9)
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Born Biologically Male

Those born biologically male have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Specifically, they are more at risk of rectal cancer. (10)
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History of Polyps

Polyps are precancerous lesions in your colon. Those found with polyps are at a significantly increased risk. (11)
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Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer and the two have similar factors. (12)
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's/ Colitis)

Inflammatory bowel disease--especially ulcerative colitis--is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. (13)
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Help reduce your risk for Colorectal Cancer with these choices

Maintain Healthy Weight

Maintaining healthy weight is a vital component of cancer prevention. A large portion of cases are linked to good diet, which will help with weight as well.
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Regular Exercise

Cardio: 3-5 days/week Strength Training: 2 days/week Stretching/Yoga: 2 days/week
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Proper Sleep

Getting 7-8 hours is important for all aspects of health. Those with disordered and irregular (too much or too little) sleep are at increased risk of colorectal cancer
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Dietary Factors​

Daily Fruits & Veggies, Daily Whole Grains, Daily Low/Nonfat Dairy, Nuts 3-5x/Week, Daily Tea (especially green), Limit Red/Processed Meat
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Go to the Doctor Regularly

Those screened regularly can find cases earlier and even prevent them altogether.
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Are You at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Assess Your Risk

Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

  • Persistent changes in bowel movement. It can be consistent diarrhea or constipation.
  • Rectal bleeding, abnormally, or blood in your stool.
  • Abnormal cramps, gas, bloating, or stomach pain that persists.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Constant feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.
Note: these are also common symptoms of other bowel issues, so consult your physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have concerns. 

Early Detection

5 Year Survival Rates

5 Year Survival Rates

Forms of Screenings

  • Stool Test (Every 3 years): doctors will analyze your stool for any products that might indicate cancer in your gut. Often, this can be done at your home
  • Colonoscopy (Every 10 years): a camera that captures your colon to check for cancerous lesions and polyps that need to be addressed.
  • CT Colonography (Every 5 years): take an image to see if there are any concerning abnormalities that need to be removed via a scope.
You should start to consider screening for colorectal cancer around 40. Screenings are recommended at one of the above rates depending on the test of your choosing.

Who Should be Screened?

  • 45-75 Years Old: Regular screenings.
  • 76-84 Years Old: Discuss with your doctor the next steps on whether screenings should be continued.
  • 85+ Years Old: Screenings are no long recommended beyond 85!
If you are experiencing any persistent issues with your bowels, it is important that you first contact your physician to address your concerns.

Which Screening is Best for you?

Mayo Clinic Discusses Your Main Options

Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

  • Colectomy: Removal of the cancerous portion of the colon.
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells
  • Radiation Therapy: Beams of high-energy to kill cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy: Medicines such as Avastin, Cyramza, and Zaltrap.
  • Immunotherapy: Alter immune function to attack cancer cells.

Nutrition and Cancer

Diet plays a major role in the development of cancer. The foods you eat can either promote cellular damage and increase your risk or protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk. An estimated 30% of cancers are believed to be related to poor dietary habits. (15)

We have compiled a list of foods that should be regularly included in your diet to promote optimal health, including cancer prevention. Learn what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Your Guide to Optimal Nutrition

Learn More

Additional Resources

American Cancer Society | Colon Cancer Coalition | Colorectal Cancer Coalition