| What You Will Learn | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| How common colorectal cancer really is | It is the 4th most common cancer in the U.S. - largely preventable with screening |
| Who is most at risk | Age, lifestyle and genetics all play a role - many risks are modifiable |
| What the symptoms are | Many people have NO symptoms early on - which is why screening matters |
| Why early detection saves lives | 5-year survival is 91% when caught early vs. only 13% at stage 4 |
| What to do starting today | Contact Carolyn to schedule your colorectal cancer screening |
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common - and most preventable - cancers in the United States. Yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. The reason is simple: most people do not get screened until it is too late.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. The good news is that survival rates are excellent when it is caught early. At Accura Health, that is exactly what we help you do through personalised primary care, preventive screenings, and ongoing support.
Who Gets Colorectal Cancer? Understanding Your Risk
Colorectal cancer does not discriminate. It affects both men and women, and while risk increases with age, we are seeing a striking rise in younger adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, a growing number of people under age 50 are now being diagnosed and 30% of all colorectal cancer cases occur in adults under the age of 55.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Overweight or obesity
- Diet low in fiber, fruits and vegetables
- Physical inactivity
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Personal or family history of polyps or cancer
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Lynch syndrome
These are all areas where lifestyle changes combined with regular primary care support can make a real and lasting difference. If non-modifiable risk factors apply to you, that is not a reason to panic it is a reason to act early.
Know your risk. Book a preventive care consultation at Accura Health today.
Book Consultation →What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Here is the most important thing to understand: in many cases especially in the early, most treatable stages there are no symptoms at all. This is precisely why routine screening saves lives. We can find and remove polyps before they ever become cancer.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- A noticeable change in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
- Blood in or on your stool (bright red or very dark)
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- Abdominal pain or cramps that do not go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Do not wait for symptoms. If you are 45 or older, talk to our team about getting screened today.
Get Screened →Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Is One of the Most Important Things You Can Do
Colon cancer almost always starts as a small, non-cancerous growth called a polyp. Polyps typically grow very slowly often over 10 to 15 years before turning cancerous. Find the polyp, remove it during a colonoscopy, and cancer never gets the chance to develop.
Only about one-third of colorectal cancers are currently found early. If you have not been screened or it has been more than 10 years since your last colonoscopy contact us at Accura Health.
Do not wait. Contact Accura Health to find the right screening option for you.
Contact Us →4 Steps You Can Take Right Now to Lower Your Risk
These are the conversations I have with patients every single day. None of them require a dramatic lifestyle overhaul just consistent action on the right things.
Get Screened Do Not Wait for Symptoms
Current guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults. If you have a family history, screening may need to begin in your 30s or 40s. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and imaging studies.
Improve Your Diet
A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been consistently shown to lower colorectal cancer risk. Reducing red and processed meat is also recommended.
Stay Physically Active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week walking, cycling, swimming, or any consistent movement counts. Even 20 to 30 minutes on most days is a meaningful place to begin.
Address Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Both tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are known to increase colorectal cancer risk. If you are concerned, let us talk at your next visit.
Key Takeaways
- Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. but it is largely preventable with early screening.
- 30% of cases now occur in adults under age 55. This is no longer just a condition that affects older adults.
- Most colorectal cancers have no symptoms in the early stages. Routine screening is the only reliable way to catch it in time.
- The 5-year survival rate is 91% when detected early, versus 13% at stage 4. Early detection changes everything.
- Many risk factors diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol, and weight are within your control.
- If you are 45 or older, or have a family history, do not wait for symptoms. Talk to your provider today.
Take the first step toward protecting your colon health.
If you do not have a provider, or do not know where to start come see us.
Current guidelines recommend starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. However, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a known genetic syndrome such as Lynch syndrome, screening may need to start much earlier sometimes in your 30s or 40s.
The most comprehensive option is a colonoscopy (recommended every 10 years if normal). Stool-based tests such as a FIT test or Cologuard are valid alternatives and can be done at home. We will walk you through every option at your visit.
Not always but your risk can be significantly reduced. Removing polyps during a colonoscopy before they become cancerous is one of the most powerful preventive interventions in medicine. Combined with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, routine screening gives you the best possible protection.
Yes, colorectal cancer typically causes no symptoms in its earliest, most treatable stages. Screening while you feel well is exactly the point. Early detection gives you the best possible chance of a full recovery.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Colon cancer Symptoms and causes. mayoclinic.org
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Information. cancer.org
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment.
