Don’t Fear The Rear: Understanding Colorectal Cancer

The colon. Just the name of this critical organ can be awkward. We’re breaking down the facts about the colon, and more specifically colorectal cancer, so that it doesn’t have to be scary or awkward. Read on to learn more and feel empowered with actionable prevention tips.

Understanding colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts in the colon or the rectum. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
The good news: 90% of colorectal cancer cases are curable when detected early.*

*Based on five-year survival rate

Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. There are different types of polyps. Some types of polyps can change into cancer, but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is.

Factors that can make a polyp more likely to contain cancer or increase someone’s risk of developing colorectal cancer include:

• If a polyp larger than 1 centimeters is found
• If more than 3 polyps are found
• If the polyp looks abnormal under a microscope when a pathologist looks at it

Schedule an appointment with your provider

Risk factors of colorectal cancer

Some risk factors are outside of our control, for example:

• Risk increases with age, especially after age 50
• A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• Having type 2 diabetes

However, there are several risk factors that we can influence, including eating habits, weight, and exercise. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk and improve your overall wellbeing.

Maintain a healthy weight

If you are overweight or obese, your risk of developing colorectal cancer is higher. This link seems to be stronger in men. Getting to – and staying at – a healthy weight may lower your risk.

Enjoy a balanced, nutritional diet

• Choose whole foods – Whole foods are high in fiber, provide essential vitamins and nutrients, and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Try more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and legumes or beans such as chickpeas or lentils.
• Eat fiber rich foods – The American Heart Association dietary fiber intake recommendation is 25-35 grams daily on a 2,000 calorie diet for adults. Fiber intake should include both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forms a gel, and slows digestion to help you feel full. It is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium. Insoluble fiber isn’t broken down by the gut and adds bulk to waste to help you keep regular. It is found in whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.
• Choose healthy fats – Foods with mega-3 fatty acids, like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (such as salmon or mackerel) are great sources of healthy fats. Choose lean meats, such as poultry, and fish without the skin. Use healthy cooking methods such as baking, broiling, or roasting.

Increase physical activity

Being more active lowers your risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. Increasing the amount and intensity of exercise can also reduce your risk.

Limit alcohol

Your body breaks down alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which can damage your DNA and prevent your body from repairing the damage. When DNA is damaged, a cell can begin growing out of control and create a cancer tumor.

Stop using tobacco

Tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes has at least 70 cancer causing chemicals, many of which can damage DNA.

Prevention is key

Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. If you’re ready to learn more about what screening options and lifestyle changes make sense for you and your health, reach out to your provider today.

Sources:

Alcohol and Cancer | CDC, accessed 02/12/2024

Colorectal Cancer | American Cancer Society, accessed 02/12/2024

Cancer Stat Facts | NHI-NCI, accessed 02/12/2024

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer | CDC, accessed 02/12/2024

Effects of Diet and Physical Activity on Risks for Certain Cancers | American Cancer Society, accessed 02/12/2024

Tobacco and Cancer | CDC, accessed 02/12/2024