Colon Cancer, or Colorectal Cancer is the second deadliest cancer affecting men and women in the US. In 2020, Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman succumbed to the disease after silently battling with the illness for several years. Once again it’s being placed in the spotlight, as actress Kirstie Alley has passed away from Colon Cancer, after only recently being diagnosed. Here are a few things you should know about Colon Cancer:
1. Younger adults are being diagnosed
While colon cancer is more common after age 50, more and more younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease. As a result, the recommended age for screening has decreased from 50 to 45 years of age, in adults with average risk. The age may be lower for those who have a family history or have a higher risk of the disease.
2. Notable Warning Signs
Symptoms of Colon cancer may include bloody stools (bowel movements), abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits or bowel appearance, Diarrhea or constipation.
3. Colonoscopies are key in detection
Colonoscopies are no fun, however they are very important in detecting and removing polyps or growths that form in the colon or rectum. The prep for colonoscopies typically begins a few days prior to the procedure but the procedure itself can take less than an hour. More non-invasive tests do exist, but they too, may result in the need for a colonoscopy.
4. Higher Risk in African Americans
According to cancer.org, African Americans have the highest risk for colon cancer than any other racial/ethnic group in the US. Reasons for this vary but some factors include access to treatment and health insurance.
It’s important to get screened for Colon Cancer. Have you been screened yet? Leave a comment!
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