Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms as well as what you can do to prevent this deadly illness. Colorectal or colon cancer (not to be confused with stomach or gastric cancer) has become a hot topic in recent years with news of celebrities -- such as Chadwick Boseman and Kirstie Alley-- passing away after battling the disease. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer in the US, with 54,510 new cases in men and 52,810 in women.
Colon cancer rates did drop by about 1% each year from 2012 to 2021, but this was mostly in older adults. For people younger than age 55, rates have increased by 2.4% each year from 2012 to 2021, making it particularly important for young people to know the warning signs.
New research in April sparked further conversation around gut bacteria and colon cancer. The study published in the journal Nature suggests that certain strains of bacteria, such as E. coli, can then produce a bacteria toxin called colibactin. Studies as far back as 2006 have concluded that colibactin can alter the DNA of colon cells, increasing the risk of tumors and cancer.
While all the recent chatter around colon cancer is alarming, new studies are also showing promising data around the positive impact of exercise on colon cancer survivors and long-term survival. Here are the signs of colon cancer, the risk factors and what you can do to prevent it.
What is colon cancer?
The colon is a part of the large intestine; colon cancer forms here when there's an abnormal growth of polyps that form into cancerous cells over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, the polyps are small and may cause few to no symptoms. Regular screening is recommended, particularly if you have risk factors or are showing signs of colon cancer.
According to a report from Yale University, colon cancer tends to grow differently in men compared with women. Rates of colon cancer are lower among women, but they're also more likely to develop right-sided colon cancer, a more aggressive type of colon cancer.
Colon cancer signs
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Blood in the stool
- Bowels don't feel empty
- Change in your bowel movements or stool consistency
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Regular stomach pain, discomfort or cramps
- Sudden weight loss
Colon cancer risk factors
Increased risk factors for colon cancer include:
- You're 50 years or older
- Family history of colon cancer
- Chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Poor diet that's high in fat and low in fiber
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- An inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are great food choices if you want to start healing your gut.
Ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer
- Cancer screening: The average person should begin screening for colon cancer around age 45 but consider screening earlier if you have increased risk factors.
- Nutrition: Incorporate different fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet to reap their nutrients. Berries, grapes, broccoli and brown rice contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may have cancer-preventing benefits.
- Smoke and drink in moderation: You don't have to quit cold turkey, but these habits should be practiced in moderation to lower your risk of colon cancer.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy body and weight, which lowers the risk of colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of activity weekly, or 20 to 30 minutes daily. A recent study found that colon cancer survivors that exercised more lived longer than those survivors that didn't exercise as regularly.