What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon and/or rectum.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates for 2016 there will be 95,270 new cases of colon cancer and 39,220 new cases of rectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States that affects both men and women. American Cancer Society estimated that there will be 49,190 deaths due to colorectal cancer in 2016. Due to a combination of early screening and improved treatments, the survivorship has increased over the last 20 years.

Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:

Getting screened starting at age 50,

Quit smoking and decrease second hand smoke exposure,

Get plenty of physical activity and

Eat healthy.

The American Cancer Society has an initiative for 80 percent of the population to get screened by 2018.

People over 50 have the highest risk for getting colorectal cancer. There are usually no obvious symptoms of colon cancer in the early stages. Early detection is possible by following the guidelines for regular screening. Colon cancer symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location in the large intestine. The symptoms can affect bowel habits or changes that affect your whole body, such as fatigue and weight loss.

Risk factors that affect your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

Being overweight,

Smoking,

Physical inactivity,

Heavy alcohol use,

Over 50 years old,

Family history of colorectal cancer and

African Americans.

Colon polyps may begin as benign tumors and develop into cancer. Once the polyp turns to cancer, the slow growth and spread of the tumor within the colon (large intestine) may produce some symptoms that you may notice.

The large intestine is an important part of the digestive system. The large intestines is where the body absorbs water and nutrients and gets rid of the waste in the body. Colon cancer may affect the large intestine’s ability to perform some of these functions, causing changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss.

Some changes in bowels habits may be considered colon cancer signs. They may include:

Change in frequency of bowel movements,

Constipation,

Change in consistency of stool (loose or watery stools),

Blood in stools (either as bright red spots or dark “tarry” stools),

Rectal bleeding,

Abdominal pain (bloating, gas or cramps) and

Feeling you cannot completely empty your bowels.

Research is underway to find out if changes to your diet or adding certain supplements will help prevent colon cancer. But for now, the only way you will know for sure is by having a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can find precancerous polyps or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. It’s recommended that all men and women begin colorectal cancer screenings at the age of 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer or have Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis, you should begin screenings earlier. So make sure to talk to your primary care provider and schedule your colonoscopy today.

Jessica Smith is supervisor of Wellness Services and the Diabetes Center at Trinity Regional Medical Center.