Colon Cancer

What You Need to Know (And Why You Shouldn't Ignore Your Gut Feeling!)

Let’s talk about something not-so-fun but super important—colon cancer. No one really wants to think about their colon (unless it’s giving them trouble), but this silent troublemaker is one of the most common cancers out there. The good news? It’s also one of the most preventable.

So, let’s break it down: what causes colon cancer, how you can stop it in its tracks, and what tests you need to stay ahead of the game.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer starts when the cells in your large intestine decide to go rogue and grow out of control. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but certain risk factors can increase your chances, including:

Age – Risk increases after 45 (but younger folks aren’t immune!).
Family History – If your parents or siblings had it, you may be at higher risk.
Diet – A lot of processed foods, red meats, and low-fiber meals can make your gut unhappy.
Lifestyle – A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol use all add to the risk.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis raise your chances.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

Now, the fun part—what you can do to reduce your risk!

Eat the Rainbow – Load up on fiber from fruits, veggies, and whole grains. A happy gut is a healthy gut.

Move Your Body – Regular exercise keeps your digestive system (and everything else) running smoothly.

Cut Back on Processed & Red Meats – Think balance, not deprivation.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol – Your colon (and the rest of your body) will thank you.

Know Your Family History – If colon cancer runs in the family, talk to your doctor about early screenings.

What Tests Do You Need? And When?

Screening is your best defense because colon cancer is sneaky—it doesn’t always show symptoms early on. The standard recommendation:

Start at 45 – The general guideline is to begin screening at 45 (or earlier if you have a family history).

At-Home Stool Tests – These check for hidden blood or DNA markers linked to cancer (usually done yearly).

Colonoscopy (Every 10 Years, or More Often If Needed) – This is the gold standard. A doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside your colon and remove any suspicious polyps before they become a problem.

Let’s Talk About Colonoscopy Prep (It's Really Not That Bad!)

Okay, we know—colonoscopy prep has a reputation. People groan just thinking about it, but hear me out: it’s not as terrible as you’ve heard, and it’s 100% worth it.

Here’s the deal:

You’ll be on a clear liquid diet the day before – Think broths, Jell-O (no red or purple!), popsicles, and sports drinks. You won’t starve, I promise.

You’ll take a special laxative drink – Yes, you’ll spend some quality time near the bathroom. But modern prep solutions are much easier to drink than they used to be, and you’ll be done in a few hours.

You’ll sleep great afterward – Once everything clears out, you’ll actually feel amazing (and lighter!).

The procedure itself? You won’t even remember it – Thanks to light sedation, you’ll wake up feeling like you just took a great nap.

Why does prep matter? Because a squeaky-clean colon means your doctor can get the best possible look and catch any polyps early before they turn into trouble.

Listen to Your Gut

If you notice symptoms like unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, or persistent abdominal discomfort, don’t wait—see your doctor.

Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and prevention is in your hands. So, schedule that screening, eat your veggies, and keep moving. Your gut (and your future self) will thank you!

Together... we've got this!