March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer begins when abnormal cells start to grow in the tissues of the colon into mushroom-shaped or flat growths called adenomatous polyps. It usually takes 10-15 years for polyps to become cancerous. There are over 140,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed each year and approximately 51,000 reported deaths each year, making this cancer the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Reducing risk factors and getting screened can help prevent colon cancer.

What are the risk factors?

Factors We Can’t Control

• Age—The risk of colon cancer increases after the age of 40 and continues to rise as we get older.


• Genetics—About 20% of all cases of colon cancer are thought to be related to heredity


• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease)

Factors We Can Control

• Obesity—especially obesity in the waist area


• Smoking Cigarettes—People who smoke are 30-40% more likely than non-smokers to die of colon cancer because smokers are more likely to develop polyps


• Drinking Alcohol

How can you reduce your risk?

Do your part to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

1. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.


2. Increase physical activity. Physical activity may protect against colon cancer through its role in energy balance, hormone metabolism, insulin regulation, and by decreasing the time the colon is exposed to potential carcinogens. Physical activity may also alter inflammatory and immune factors which may influence colon cancer risk.


3. Maintain a healthy weight. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables along with increasing exercise is beneficial in weight loss.


4. Don’t smoke.


5. Avoid alcoholic beverages.


6. Get Screened. Colon screenings are recommended at age 50 to age 75 or until your doctor states that you no longer need to have this screening test. Screenings may begin before age 50 if you have risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or if you have had an adenomatous polyp at an earlier age. See your primary healthcare provider for more information on colon cancer screenings.