In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined.
 
Women have only a slightly lower chance of developing colon cancer than men. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 26 for women.
 
Women might shrug off early warning signs such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, or bleeding during bowel movements, attributing such symptoms to menstrual issues or hemorrhoids. 
 
“I encourage women to pay attention to any signals their bodies might be sending them,” explains Dr. Page Axley. “If a pain seems different from what you’ve experienced before or lasts longer than a typical menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor.”
 
While early-stage colon cancer may not produce obvious symptoms, some warning signs might include:

 

  • Change in bowel habits (chronic diarrhea or constipation, etc.)
  • Bloody, dark, or narrow stool
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Persistent abdominal pain, fullness, cramping and bloating
  • Anemia (iron deficiency)
  • Unexplained weight loss
 
“Now that colorectal cancer is more commonly seen in younger patients, we encourage everyone to get screened starting at age 45, no matter their gender,” says Dr. Lauren Bleich. “Those with a family history of cancer or other health factors may need to begin screening even earlier.”
 
If you have questions or concerns about colon cancer, or other digestive health issues, talk to a gastroenterologist.

 

Make An Appointment

Tags Colorectal (Colon) Cancer, Colonoscopy

Related Stories

Bill’s Family History of Cancer Changed his Future

Cancer loomed large in Bill’s life. His father passed away from kidney cancer at age 56. His mother battled colon cancer twice, once in her mid-fifties and again at age 86. Although he was only 49 and had no symptoms, his family’s history with cancer was what motivated him to seek a colonoscopy.

Read Article

Colon Cancer Didn't Care Justin Was Only 28 Years Old

Justin was only 28 years old when he started having stomach pain and noticed some blood in his stool. His symptoms seemed to improve, but he decided to see a specialist anyway. That decision probably saved his life.

Read Article

Healthcare Professional VIP Colonoscopy Day

Calling all physicians, healthcare providers and healthcare staff members in Northern Virginia! Please join us for our annual Healthcare Professionals VIP Colonoscopy Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at our Javier Road Endoscopy Center in Fairfax, VA.

Read Article