Why Early Detection Matters
When colon cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, the five-year survival rate can exceed 90%. Unfortunately, many patients don’t seek medical attention until the cancer has advanced. That’s why it’s critical to not ignore even the subtlest symptoms. Colon cancer screening such as colonoscopy, stool DNA testing, and fecal occult blood tests are vital tools that can detect abnormalities before symptoms even begin.
Who Is at Risk?
While colon cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase the likelihood:
- Age over 50, though rising cases among younger adults have become concerning
- Family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- High-fat, low-fiber diets, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
For those in high-risk categories, routine screening should start earlier and occur more frequently than the general population guidelines recommend.
