Understanding Colon Cancer: From Symptoms to Treatment

Colon Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Colon cancer usually develops over time, and in most cases, there is not one single reason it happens. Your risk often reflects a combination of your family history, your health history and long-term lifestyle habits, which is why your physician looks at the whole picture when you talk about screening and prevention.

You may face a higher risk if you have:

• A family history of colorectal cancer (parent, sibling or child)
• A history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• A known inherited condition linked with colorectal cancer, such as Lynch syndrome
• A lifestyle history that includes tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, excess body weight or low physical activity
• A personal history of colon polyps

Colon Cancer Risk in Younger Adults

Age still plays a role in colon cancer risk, but it no longer tells the whole story. If you are in your 20s, 30s or 40s, you may assume you are “too young” for colon cancer, so it can feel easy to put symptoms on the back burner. That delay can matter, because the AMA reports that colon cancer diagnosis in people under 50 has increased by about 2% per year, and death rates have risen as well.

Dr. Hegde adds, “There is an increasing incidence of colorectal cancers among the age group of 20-49 years; over 20,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2025.”

The takeaway is awareness. If you notice rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain or a change in bowel habits, mention it at your next visit, or schedule an appointment sooner if symptoms do not go away. The National Cancer Institute has also identified warning signs that show up more often in younger adults who later receive an early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia.

Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 and over with an average risk for colon cancer, you should get routine colorectal cancer screening. If your risk is higher, talk with your physician about an earlier screening and the right test for you.

If you have a higher risk (strong family history, IBD, inherited risk), ask your physician what age and test make sense. A good place to start is with your primary care physician when you want to review your risks and need a referral. Or begin with your gastroenterologist when you want an evaluation and to learn what test is right for you.

A colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to screen for colon cancer. During the procedure, your physician can often find polyps and remove them before they cause bigger problems. Some people avoid screening because they are anxious about colonoscopy or they may think that is the only option.

At Catholic Health, we offer several colorectal screening options, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, blood stool tests and CT colonography, a minimally invasive imaging exam that uses CT scans to create 3D images of the colon.

 “The best screening test is the one you complete,” said Dr. Hegde. “We talk through any potential risk, your comfort and what you can expect. Then we choose a plan that feels realistic — because follow-through saves lives.”

Colon Cancer Treatment Options

If you or a loved one receives a colon cancer diagnosis, it is normal to have a lot of questions right away. Your treatment plan depends on details such as the type of cancer, where it starts, whether it has spread and your overall health. Your team will use that information to recommend an approach that fits your diagnosis and goals.

• Medical oncology care (cancer medication treatments)
• Radiation oncology
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for some people, depending on the cancer

At Catholic Health, you have access to a team that includes board-certified oncologists, colorectal surgeons, and gastroenterologists, along with registered nurse navigators and infusion or chemotherapy nurses. That team approach helps you understand each step, stay on track with treatment and feel supported throughout your care.

Colon Cancer Prevention

You cannot control every risk factor for colon cancer, especially when family history or certain health conditions play a role. However, you still have meaningful ways to protect your health, and the most powerful step is often the simplest one: stay current with screening at the age and interval your physician recommends.

Screening can help find cancer earlier, when treatment often offers more options. A colonoscopy can also remove certain polyps, which may lower your risk over time.

Along with screening, the habits you build over time can support colon health. You do not need perfection. You want a plan that fits your real life and feels sustainable.

Work to build these healthy habits into your daily living:

• Avoid tobacco
• Choose fiber-rich foods more often and limit processed foods
• Incorporate exercise into your weekly routine
• Limit alcohol use
• Maintain a healthy weight over time

If you feel worried right now, take one step. Schedule a visit with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist to review your symptoms, your family history and a screening plan that makes sense for you. Even mild or vague symptoms deserve attention. Learn more about the Gastroenterology Services at Catholic Health.