Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, especially among individuals under 50.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 153,000 people were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2024, and more than 53,000 lost their lives to the disease.
With March recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Intermountain Health is working to educate the public about the importance of early detection and prevention. The good news? Colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable—with a 90% survival rate when detected early.
Understanding Your Risk for Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your chances of developing the disease:
✅ Age: Most cases occur in individuals 50 and older.
✅ Family History: If a close relative has had colon cancer or polyps, your risk increases.
✅ Personal Health History: Previous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) raise your chances of developing colon cancer.
While colon cancer has traditionally been associated with older adults, younger people are being diagnosed at increasing rates. In fact, in 2020:
- 11% of all colon cancer cases occurred in people under 50.
- 15% of all rectal cancer cases were diagnosed in this same age group.
Dr. Christine Hachem, interim medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health at Intermountain Health, stresses that waiting for symptoms is too late:
“Screening happens when you feel well and have no symptoms. Early detection is critical to catching colorectal cancer and saving lives.”
This increase in younger cases is alarming, as many are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Experts believe diet, environmental factors, and genetic mutations may play a role in this trend.
Dr. Priyanka Patel, a gastroenterologist at Intermountain Health, highlights the barriers younger individuals face when it comes to screening:
“Many people don’t realize they need to be screened, while others avoid it due to fear, discomfort, or difficulty navigating the healthcare system. Regardless of age, it’s important to understand your personal risk factors and discuss screening with your doctor.”
When Should You Get Screened?
Updated national guidelines recommend that most adults start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. There are two primary screening methods:
1. Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard
A colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and remove precancerous growths before they develop into cancer.
- For average-risk individuals: Once every 10 years
- For high-risk individuals: Once every 5 years (or sooner if your doctor recommends it)
Intermountain Health makes it easy to schedule colonoscopies online, ensuring more people have access to this life-saving test.
2. At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Kits
For those 45 to 75 years old with an average risk, Intermountain Health offers home-based colon cancer screening kits that allow you to test yourself without a doctor’s visit. These include:
✅ Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT):
- Detects hidden blood in stool, an early sign of colon cancer.
- Non-invasive and completed at home.
- If results are abnormal, a colonoscopy is required.
✅ Cologuard:
- Combines FIT with DNA testing to detect abnormal genetic markers in stool samples.
- Also non-invasive and done at home.
- If results are positive or abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed.
Why Choose At-Home Tests?
✔️ Convenient – No doctor’s visit required.
✔️ Non-invasive – No preparation or sedation needed.
✔️ Easily accessible – A great option for those who have trouble scheduling colonoscopies.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Your Risk
While genetics and age play a role in colon cancer risk, lifestyle choices also make a big difference. Steps you can take to lower your risk include:
✅ Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
✅ Limiting red and processed meats, which have been linked to colon cancer
✅ Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight
✅ Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
✅ Staying on top of routine screenings
Take Action Today
If you are 45 or older, now is the time to take control of your health:
- Schedule a colonoscopy or order an at-home screening kit.
- Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices to lower your risk.
Colorectal cancer cases continue to rise among younger people, making awareness and early detection more important than ever. Don’t wait—early screening could save your life.
For more information about screenings and prevention, visit the Intermountain Health website today.
READ ALSO: How to Stay Prepared as Measles Cases Rise in the United
