Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Read this to Save Your Life!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and ways to lower your risk of this common, yet preventable cancer. 

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., but the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Do not overlook screening!

In this post, we’ll cover:

✅ Who’s at risk for colon cancer

✅ Why screening is essential

✅ Different screening options available

✅ Steps you can take to lower your risk

Who’s at Risk for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:

🔹 Age 45 and older – Colon cancer risk increases with age, which is why screenings are recommended starting at 45.

🔹 Family history – If a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had colon cancer, your risk is higher.

🔹 Personal history of polyps – If you’ve had colon polyps before, you may be more likely to develop cancer.

🔹 Lifestyle factors – Diets high in processed foods and red meat, lack of physical activity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can increase your risk.

🔹 Certain medical conditions – Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis raise the risk of colon cancer.

🔹 Sex — Males are at greater risk than females

🔹 Race — Black American, Native Americans and Alaskan Native individuals have higer risks of all the racial and ethnic groups in the US

Why Colon Cancer Screening is So Important

Many people with colon cancer experience NO symptoms in the early stages, making screening crucial.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign polyps in the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can turn cancerous. Screening detects polyps early—before they have a chance to turn into cancer!

Screening can literally save your life because:

✔️ It detects cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

✔️ It prevents cancer by allowing doctors to remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

✔️ It reduces colon cancer deaths—studies show that regular screening dramatically lowers the risk of dying from the disease.

What Are the Screening Options?

There are several screening tests available, depending on your risk level and personal preference:

🔵 Colonoscopy (Gold Standard) – A procedure where a doctor examines your colon with a small camera and removes any polyps. Recommended every 10 years if normal.

🟡 Stool-Based Tests (At-Home Options):✔️ FIT Test – Detects hidden blood in the stool. Done yearly.✔️ Cologuard – Checks for DNA changes and blood in the stool. Done every 3 years.

🟢 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) – Alternative options in certain cases.

Not sure which test is right for you? Talk to your doctor! The best test is the one that actually gets done.

How to Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk

In addition to getting screened, here are ways to lower your risk:

🥗 Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet – Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support gut health.🚶‍♀️ Stay Active – Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

🚭 Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol – Both increase your risk of colon cancer.

⚖️ Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity is a known risk factor for colon cancer.

Take Action Today!

If you’re 45 or older or have risk factors, don’t wait—schedule your screening today! Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable when caught early.

Want more health tips? Check out the other articles on this blog, and more to come as well! Subscribe to my email list and check out my Instagram!