Protect Yourself from Colon Cancer

March 11, 2026

A lady in a white sweater holding her stomach in pain

Learn How to Lower Your Risk

First, the good news. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented. And when it’s found early, treatment is often very successful.

The not-so-good news? Colon cancer develops silently, with no early warning signs and cases are increasing in adults under age 50.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death for men and women combined. But it is also one of the most preventable. With the right lifestyle choices and routine colon cancer screening, you can significantly reduce your risk. Sometimes you can even stop colon cancer before it starts.

Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer doesn’t develop overnight. Understanding your personal risk factors can help you and your provider decide when to begin screening and what steps you can take to lower your risk.

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

Some things that increase your risk for colon cancer are beyond your control, including:

Age
Certain inherited conditions
Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

Modifiable Risk Factors

Many risk factors are within your control, including:

A diet high in red or processed meats
Heavy alcohol use
Low fiber intake
Physical inactivity
Smoking

Recognize the Early Signs of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer often develops quietly, often without noticeable symptoms. Knowing what warning signs to watch for and understanding that screening is meant for people who feel well can make a lifesaving difference.

When symptoms do appear, they often include:

Blood in the stool
Changes in bowel habits
Fatigue
Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
Unexplained weight loss

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75.

You may need to start earlier if you have higher risk factors, including:

A family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
A known inherited condition, such as Lynch syndrome
A previous history of colorectal polyps

In these cases, your provider may recommend screening before age 45 and more frequent screenings. Between ages 76 and 85, screening decisions are based on your overall health and prior screening history.

Types of Colorectal Cancer Screening

There are several screening options:

Colonoscopy – Examines the entire colon and allows polyps to be removed during the same procedure
Stool-based tests – Detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA in stool
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) – Produces 2D and 3D images of the colon

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it allows providers to detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, preventing many colorectal cancers from developing.

How Often Should I Get Screened?

If you are an adult at average risk, screening typically follows this schedule:

Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
Stool-based tests (FIT or high-sensitivity FOBT): Every year
Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA): Every 1–3 years
CT colonography: Every 5 years

If polyps are found or you have higher-risk factors, your provider may recommend more frequent screening.

Is Colon Cancer Preventable?

While no cancer is entirely preventable, there are several steps you can take to dramatically reduce your likelihood of developing colon cancer.

To lower risk, you should:

Avoid tobacco
Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol
Limit red and processed meats
Maintain a healthy weight

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colon Cancer Screening

Understanding your risk for colorectal cancer starts with conversations about your health, family history and lifestyle and regular visits with your doctor. Open communication with your care team helps ensure you receive the right screening at the right time.

Questions to ask include:

Based on my personal and family history, when should I start screening?
Which screening test is best for me and why?
How often should I be screened?
What happens if polyps are found?
What are the risks and benefits of a colonoscopy?
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Will my insurance cover screening?
Are there lifestyle changes you recommend to lower my risk?

Care That Makes a Difference

At Witham Health Services, colorectal cancer screening and digestive health are supported by an experienced team of gastroenterology specialists dedicated to patient-focused care close to home. Our gastroenterologists are board-certified and trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat a full range of digestive health concerns, including colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

Whether you’re scheduling your first colonoscopy or managing gastrointestinal symptoms, our specialists use their expertise and experience to guide you through every step of your care.