Prevention

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Colon and rectal cancer can be prevented! By finding and removing precancerous polyps (adenomas) that can develop into cancer, colorectal cancer can be stopped before it ever starts.

In addition, screening can detect colorectal cancer early when it is most curable.

All adults over the age of 50 are at risk for colorectal cancer and should be screened for adenomatous polyps and cancer. Some people have a greater than average risk and should work with their doctor to develop an individualized screening plan.

While screening is the most important way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk for polyps and colorectal cancer.

Most polyps grow on the end of a stalk, somewhat like a mushroom. When they get larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil (5 millimeters, their cells can gradually change to cancer. Other polyps lie flat against the wall of the colon and are called sessile. Not all polyps will become cancer, but it is important to remove them because we can’t tell which ones will remain harmless and which will become cancerous.

Screening can also find dangerous lesions that are not polyps. Nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms (NP-CRNs) are flat lesions in the colon that can be missed unless doctors look carefully for them, often using special colonoscopy techniques. One study found them in almost ten percent of patients who had a colonoscopy.

While over 90 percent of colon and rectal cancers are found in people over the age of 50, anyone at any age can get colorectal cancer. People younger than 50 need to protect themselves by knowing their family cancer history and their own medical history. People with a family history of certain cancer or with certain medical conditions may need to begin colonoscopy screening earlier and be tested more often. In addition, everyone, no matter how old they are, needs to know the symptoms of colorectal cancer and have a complete colonoscopy to rule out cancer if they have symptoms.

Symptoms of colon or rectal cancer include

A change in bowel habits.

Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.

Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

Stools that are narrower than usual.

General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps).

Weight loss with no known reason.

Constant tiredness or anemia that cannot be explained.

Vomiting.

Delaying diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer increases the chances that it will be found at an advanced stage where it can be harder to cure.

Where Can You Go for More Information?

The National Cancer Institute has information on preventing colorectal cancer for both consumers in simple language and health professionals in more technical terms.

People Living with Cancer is a website for patients and consumers developed in collaboration with the American Society for Clinical Oncology. Information on PLWC has been reviewed by ASCO medical experts.

Medicare covers colorectal cancer screening and will pay part or all of the cost of FOBT, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, or colonoscopy.