One in five people diagnosed with colorectal cancer is under age 55, and about 1 in 25 people worldwide develop it during their lifetime.
Understanding your risk is key to preventing cancer or detecting it early, when it’s easier to treat. Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45, possibly earlier if you’re high-risk or have symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, on New York City’s Upper West Side with Dr. Seecoomar for colon cancer screening and prevention tips.
While symptoms vary from person to person, signs of colon cancer to be aware of include:
It can take about 10 years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and cause symptoms. But you might not have any symptoms initially.
Understanding your colon cancer risk factors is vital to better understand when to get screened for this common cancer:
Being 50 or older is a colon cancer risk factor, but an increasing number of younger adults are being diagnosed with it.
Colon polyps (tiny growths in the colon) increase the risk of one or more of them developing into cancer over time. That’s why removing polyps is a preventive measure worth taking.
Having a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 and carrying excess body weight increases your chance of developing colon cancer and other cancers. Lack of exercise and poor dietary habits may contribute to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, another colon cancer risk factor.
Inheriting genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome is also a risk factor for colon cancer. Family history plays a role, too. Your chance of colon cancer is higher if a family member, especially a parent or sibling, develops it.
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases can boost your risk of having colorectal cancer.
Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly are lifestyle habits that boost the risk of several diseases, including colon cancer.
Adopting healthy habits and undergoing routine colon cancer screenings can minimize your risk of developing this type of cancer.
Healthy weight management, a well-balanced diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.), regular exercise, stress reduction, and sufficient sleep are helpful.
See Dr. Seecoomar for routine colon cancer screenings as directed. He helps determine how often to schedule them based on your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Schedule a colon cancer screening and gastrointestinal assessment with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or request an appointment online today.
