Colon cancer is different from most cancer because it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when you follow steps for early detection. Colon cancer awareness is about reducing your risk and screening for the disease before symptoms appear. 

Reducing your risk through lifestyle changes is a great way to prevent colon cancer. Like all cancers, smoking is a major risk factor and quitting a nicotine habit is a great first step to reducing your risk. Daily exercise is also a great way to reduce your risk. For most people, this simply means walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day, four or five days a week.

Eating a balanced diet can also reduce your risk for colon cancer. Studies show that a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk for many diseases, including colon and other cancers. Fruits and vegetables with fiber are good sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and anti-oxidants, which help protect cells.

Screening is also very important. Screening tests for colon cancer may include a review of your family history, a stool test or a colonoscopy.  Your doctor will work with you to determine the best tests for your needs and situation. Early screening is important because colon cancer starts as a very small growth of cells in the large intestines and then grows slowly over time, changing from pre-cancer cells to actual cancer cells.  These cells can be easy to see and many times, a doctor is able to remove the cells before they grow or spread as cancer. If you have a family history of colon or other cancers, be sure to tell your doctor because this can affect which tests your doctor will recommend and the timing of those tests.

Gastroenterologists are doctors that specialize in the digestive system. They also deal with screening patients for colon cancer through a procedure called a colonoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor looks through your intestines with a camera and examines the lining of your colon. If the doctor sees any suspicious cells (called polyps) during the exam, they can remove them at the same time. This make the procedure very effective for screening and preventing colon cancer.

For more information, contact your doctor, or, if you need the expert of a colon cancer doctor, visit our page at the UT Health Cancer Therapy & Research Center to learn more or make an appointment.