Women and Colon Cancer: Know the Symptoms

You may think colon cancer is mainly a man’s disease, but the truth is, almost as many women as men are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, each year in the U.S., about 64,000 women learn they have colorectal cancer. It is the third most common cancer in men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

The good news is, with some knowledge about colon cancer symptoms and the screenings that can find the disease early when most treatable—or prevent it entirely—you can take charge of your health and help your friends and family do the same! 

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The tricky part about colorectal is that many times people show no signs of the disease until it is more advanced. However, there are symptoms that can be warning signs. Check with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t completely empty)
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Blood (bright red or very dark) in your stool
• Rectal discomfort
• Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps in your abdomen
• Weight loss
• Feeling very tired and weak

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?

Yes! Colon cancer is one cancer that can often be easily prevented. The reason? It almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. When polyps are found early and removed during colonoscopy, colon cancer can be stopped before it even starts.

The very best way to find polyps is by having a colonoscopy. This procedure allows a gastroenterologist (a specialist in disorders and diseases of the digestive system) to both find and remove polyps at the same time. Most people should get their first colonoscopy at age 45. Those who have a family history of colorectal cancer or related cancers, and those with certain health conditions need to be checked at an earlier age.

While colonoscopy is the gold standard in screening, other tests to detect colon cancer are available. A Fecal Immuno-histochemistry test (FIT) is the next best option. FIT—a stool test done in your home and sent to a lab for processing—can detect about 80 percent of problems. If test results are abnormal, you will need a colonoscopy to diagnose the problem. A positive test does not mean you have cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which colon cancer screening test is right for you.

Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Your lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20. And while screening is the best way to prevent colon cancer or catch it early, there are also lifestyle changes you can make now to reduce your risk.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay physically active. Find creative ways to keep moving.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Make fruits and vegetables a big part of your diet.
• Eat whole grains rather than refined grain products.
• Avoid processed meats.
• Limit red meat in your diet.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• If you use tobacco, quit. Better yet, never start.

So now it's time to take action. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for colon cancer, which screening option is best for you, or find a provider or practice who performs colonoscopies.