Colon Cancer

The colon, or large intestine, connects the small intestine to the anus and includes the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, rectum, and anus. Cancer can form anywhere along this tract. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, which can be detected during routine screening colonoscopy performed every 10 years starting at age 50. Other forms of screening include an annual stool fecal immunochemical (FIT) test, virtual CT colonography every 5 years, or Cologuard stool DNA test every 3 years.

From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it takes 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. Adenomatous polyps have a higher rate of turning into cancer, while hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps are typically not precancerous.¹ The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24 (4.2%), and it is 60% more common in developed countries. This risk is slightly lower in women than in men, but it is the third leading cause of cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.² Up to 70% of colorectal cancers can be prevented by diet and lifestyle changes.³

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Increase Risk:

• Age greater than 50
• African American race
• Personal or family history of adenomatous polyps or colon cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
• Genetic syndromes: Familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and others
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity^4-6
• Smoking and high alcohol use
• Red and processed meats^7-9

Decrease Risk:

• High-fiber diet^10,11 consisting of fruits¹², vegetables (especially cruciferous),^13,14 and omega-3 fats¹⁵
• Moderate exercise 150 minutes per week or vigorous exercise 75 minutes per week^16,17