Colon Cancer Rates on the Rise in Women Under 50

The latest American Cancer Society guidelines now recommend women aged 45 and older get screened for colon cancer. While traditionally screening for colon cancer has started at age 50, recent trends indicate a rising incidence of colon cancer in younger adults. Colon cancer is now the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50, behind breast cancer.

Regular screening beginning at age 45 is our best tool in the fight against colon cancer," explains Dr. Lilly Gonzalez. "People with a family history of polyps, colon cancer, or other risk factors may need to start screening sooner.

Women can face unique challenges when it comes to colon cancer. Symptoms of colon cancer can include stomach pain, bloating and bleeding, which could be confused with menstrual pain or hemorrhoids.

Listen to your body," says Dr. Aditi Stanton. "Talk to your doctor if the symptoms you normally associate with your period last longer than usual, or if they're accompanied by unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, iron deficiency, etc.

There are several options for colon cancer screening including flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool DNA tests, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). Your doctor can help you select the best test based on your personal health history and risk factors.

Colon cancer screening via colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it can detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer when treatment options can be the most effective," explains Dr. Aditi Stanton. "When detected early, colorectal cancer is often treatable and beatable."

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