What you should know about colon cancer

 What you should know about colon cancer

Could you be at risk of developing colon cancer? Despite efforts to raise awareness of the disease, it is still the second-leading cause of cancer death. Here’s what you need to know about colon cancer, and what you can do to prevent it from affecting your life or the lives of your loved ones.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or large intestine. It shares many features with rectal cancer, and they are sometimes grouped together as colorectal cancer. It begins when cells in the colon start to grow abnormally, or out of control. Like other cancers, it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Causes - It starts with polyps

Most cases of colon cancer begin with polyps, which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Although most polyps are benign, some can develop into cancer over several years. Adenomatous polyps, or adenomas, are considered pre-cancerous, and can be removed if detected early.

Risk Factors - Family history can put you at risk

Family history, including some hereditary genetic syndromes, can increase an individual’s chances of developing colon cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, are very likely to develop colon or rectal cancer before they reach the age of 50.

Risk Factors - Inflammatory bowel disease

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more at risk of developing colon cancer. If you are diagnosed with IBD, the American Cancer Society recommends that you start getting screened for colorectal cancer at a younger age and that you get screened more frequently.

Risk Factors - Unhealthy lifestyles

Certain lifestyle choices can result in higher risk of developing colon cancer. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and eating a lot of red or processed meat are all factors that can increase the risk of colon or rectal cancer. Individuals can also exercise regularly and avoid sedentary habits to reduce their risk.

Symptoms - Bowel problems

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include various bowel problems. If you are at risk for developing colon cancer and you notice any changes in your bowel habits, including chronic diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding, or blood in your stool, you should see a specialist about possible causes. Other symptoms of colon cancer include unexplained weight loss and chronic fatigue.

Symptoms - Many don’t have symptoms

More than half of people diagnosed with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms. The noticeability of the symptoms can vary depending on the cancer’s size and its location in the colon. This is why it is especially important for individuals to get screened regularly if they are at risk of developing colon cancer.

Treatments - Polyp removal or colectomy

In its early stages, the most effective treatment of colon cancer is to remove the affected portions of the colon. When it’s caught early, surgeons might only have to remove a dangerous polyp, but more advanced cancer will require a partial colectomy, which is the removal of a portion of the large intestine.

Treatments - Chemotherapy

In more advanced stages of colon cancer, chemotherapy may be necessary along with surgery. Not all doctors agree on when chemotherapy should be implemented, but the further the cancer spreads, the less likely it is that it can be removed solely by surgery. Chemotherapy is also used in cases where the tumour or cancerous area is too large to remove.

Statistics - One of the major cancers

Together, colon and rectal cancer are considered one of four “major cancers” according to the American Cancer Society. The others include prostate cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the lung and bronchus. There were an estimated 135,430 new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States in 2017, and the vast majority of those diagnosed were over 45 years in age.

Statistics – Second-leading cause of cancer death

Together, colon and rectal cancer are the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Only lung and bronchial cancer claim more victims. According to the Cancer Statistics Center, an estimated 52,980 people in the United States will die of colorectal cancer in 2021. However, preventive measures and early detection are slowly decreasing the annual death rate.

Statistics - Common in men and women

Colon cancer is common in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, men have a 1 in 22 chance of developing colorectal cancer while women have a 1 in 24 chance. Compared to breast or prostate cancer, colon cancer is an equal-opportunity killer.

Statistics - Survival rates

Individuals diagnosed with stage I colorectal cancer have a survival rate of 92%, according to the National Cancer Institute. If colon cancer is detected early, the patient has a good chance of surviving. However, individuals diagnosed with stage IV, or metastatic, colorectal cancer only have a survival rate of 11%, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Statistics - Over one million survivors

In 2014, there were an estimated 1.3 million survivors of colon and rectal cancer living in the United States, and that number has likely grown in recent years. This figure is the basis for the One Million Strong campaign, which aims to build awareness for colorectal cancer and encourages people to get screened.

Statistics - One in three not getting screened

As of 2013, one in three adults over 50 had not been screened for colorectal cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented if pre-cancerous polyps are removed before cancer develops or spreads to the colon lining, and survival is much more likely if cancer is detected early.

Statistics - Rates are rising for young people

Individuals over 50 are still the most at risk for colon and rectal cancer, but a study published last year suggests that death rates for young people with colorectal cancer have been rising since the mid-2000s. Someone born in 1990 is twice as likely to develop colon cancer as someone born in 1950, and experts don’t know why.

Prevention - Screening prevents cancer

The best way to avoid colon cancer is to get screened. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that individuals over the age of 50 get screened for colorectal cancer on a regular basis until they are 75 years old. Adults aged 76 years and older should get screened according to the recommendations of their doctors.

Prevention - Colonoscopies prevent deaths

Colonoscopies are an effective way of screening both for colon cancer and for the precipitating causes of colon cancer, such as adenomatous polyps. During a colonoscopy, a doctor will examine the rectum and colon with a long, luminous tube. Polyps and other abnormal growths can be removed during colonoscopies, which can prevent cancer from developing.

Prevention – At-home tests

Individuals concerned about invasive screening procedures have the option of screening themselves at home for colon or rectal cancer. Two popular methods include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and the stool DNA (sDNA) test, which both require the individual to send a stool sample to a lab to check for signs of colorectal cancer.

Prevention - Healthy diet can prevent colon cancer

Studies show that a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that you eat foods that are high in fibre. These include foods from plant sources and food made with whole grains. Some studies also suggest that phytochemicals, found in citrus fruits and leafy greens, can help fend off colon cancer.

12 Proven Ways to Drastically Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk

We all know that food is medicine, but when it comes to drastically reducing your colon cancer risk, it could not be truer. Simply making a few dietary tweaks can slash your colon cancer risk. Here are the 12 proven ways to do so.

1. Avoid Processed Meats

Processed luncheon meats, bacon, cold cuts, hot dogs, sausage and other types of processed meats have been classified by the World Health as “Group 1” carcinogens, in the same category as cigarette smoking and asbestos. In addition to high amounts of saturated fats, processed meats typically contain nitrites and nitrates that are known carcinogens and are best avoided.

2. Eat More Curries

Curcumin, one of the phytonutrients found in the spice turmeric, has been found in numerous studies to reduce colon cancer risk. A study found in Cancer Prevention Research showed that curcumin suppresses the ability of colon cancer cells to proliferate, suggesting it is helpful both in the prevention and treatment of the condition.

3. Reduce the Fat in Your Diet

The connection between a poor diet and colon cancer has been well-established for many years, but the mechanism by which a poor diet increases the risk has been largely unclear. According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, a high fat diet drives the growth of cancer stem cells. Cut back on fast foods, processed foods, prepared foods, meat, butter, and other fatty foods. 

4. Eat a Plant-Based Diet

While we’ve already established that processed meats, and fats from meats are factors, research also shows that diets high in animal protein are also linked to colorectal cancer. This is especially true of red meat, which has also been linked to colorectal cancer in research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology. Additional Canadian research published in the Nutrition Journal found a “meat diet pattern” increased the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Cut Back on Sugar and Sugary Foods

The Nutrition Journal study also found a correlation between a diet that contains sugary foods and colorectal cancer. Choose fruit over refined sweets.

6. Eat More Grapes

Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that resveratrol found in purple and red grapes may actually suppress colon cancer stem cells, suggesting a possible prevention and treatment strategy. Cancer stem cells perpetuate the creation of new cancer cells and tumors. Resveratrol found in grapes not only suppressed cancer stem cells, it also reduced the number of cancer tumors by 50%.

7. Eat Raw, Unsalted Walnuts Daily

Simply adding one ounce of walnuts to your daily diet significantly cuts your colon cancer risk.  The researchers hypothesize that walnuts act like probiotics in the intestines to ensure a healthy gut, which in turn protects against cancer.

8. Add Nutmeg to Your Daily Diet

Research published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), reduces the precursors of colon cancer.

9. Eat More Fermented Foods

The Journal of Proteome Research found a little-known connection between the toxins secreted by harmful gut microbes and colon cancer, suggesting a possible link between gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections and colon cancer. Eating more fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, dairy-free yogurt, can help keep harmful gut microbes at bay.

10. Eat a High Fiber Diet

While many experts suggest that we aim for 35 grams of fiber daily, research shows we should aim higher than that. Researchers found that even switching to a high fiber, low fat diet for 2 weeks, significantly reduces colon cancer risk. Cell multiplication drastically drops while the formation of cancer-killing compounds significantly increases, making the colon less vulnerable to cancer.

11. ​Get Adequate Calcium

In a study, researchers found that women who obtain at least 800 mg of calcium daily had a 25% lower colorectal cancer risk than those who had 400 mg daily. Dairy products are not recommended as they have been shown to rapidly change microbes present in the gut in favor of inflammation-causing ones. The best calcium-rich foods to include are: carrots and carrot juice, kale and other dark leafy greens, sesame seeds and tahini, almond butter and almonds, broccoli, oats, and navy beans.

12. Drink Green Tea Daily

Green tea contains a variety of potent anti-cancer nutrients known as polyphenols, including the most notable one epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been proven effective against cancer in many studies. ​EGCG is highly anti-cancerous and can prevent tumors from forming in the colon. Drink at least 3 cups daily to maximize protective effects.

12 Proven Ways to Drastically Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk

We all know that food is medicine, but when it comes to drastically reducing your colon cancer risk, it could not be truer. Simply making a few dietary tweaks can slash your colon cancer risk. Here are the 12 proven ways to do so.

1. Avoid Processed Meats

Processed luncheon meats, bacon, cold cuts, hot dogs, sausage and other types of processed meats have been classified by the World Health as “Group 1” carcinogens, in the same category as cigarette smoking and asbestos. In addition to high amounts of saturated fats, processed meats typically contain nitrites and nitrates that are known carcinogens and are best avoided.

2. Eat More Curries

Curcumin, one of the phytonutrients found in the spice turmeric, has been found in numerous studies to reduce colon cancer risk. A study found in Cancer Prevention Research showed that curcumin suppresses the ability of colon cancer cells to proliferate, suggesting it is helpful both in the prevention and treatment of the condition.

3. Reduce the Fat in Your Diet

The connection between a poor diet and colon cancer has been well-established for many years, but the mechanism by which a poor diet increases the risk has been largely unclear. According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, a high fat diet drives the growth of cancer stem cells. Cut back on fast foods, processed foods, prepared foods, meat, butter, and other fatty foods.

4. Eat a Plant-Based Diet

While we’ve already established that processed meats, and fats from meats are factors, research also shows that diets high in animal protein are also linked to colorectal cancer. This is especially true of red meat, which has also been linked to colorectal cancer in research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology. Additional Canadian research published in the Nutrition Journal found a “meat diet pattern” increased the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Cut Back on Sugar and Sugary Foods

The Nutrition Journal study also found a correlation between a diet that contains sugary foods and colorectal cancer. Choose fruit over refined sweets.

6. Eat More Grapes

Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that resveratrol found in purple and red grapes may actually suppress colon cancer stem cells, suggesting a possible prevention and treatment strategy. Cancer stem cells perpetuate the creation of new cancer cells and tumors. Resveratrol found in grapes not only suppressed cancer stem cells, it also reduced the number of cancer tumors by 50%.

7. Eat Raw, Unsalted Walnuts Daily

Simply adding one ounce of walnuts to your daily diet significantly cuts your colon cancer risk.  The researchers hypothesize that walnuts act like probiotics in the intestines to ensure a healthy gut, which in turn protects against cancer.

8. Add Nutmeg to Your Daily Diet

Research published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), reduces the precursors of colon cancer.

9. Eat More Fermented Foods

The Journal of Proteome Research found a little-known connection between the toxins secreted by harmful gut microbes and colon cancer, suggesting a possible link between gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections and colon cancer. Eating more fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, dairy-free yogurt, can help keep harmful gut microbes at bay.

10. Eat a High Fiber Diet

While many experts suggest that we aim for 35 grams of fiber daily, research shows we should aim higher than that. Researchers found that even switching to a high fiber, low fat diet for 2 weeks, significantly reduces colon cancer risk. Cell multiplication drastically drops while the formation of cancer-killing compounds significantly increases, making the colon less vulnerable to cancer.

11. ​Get Adequate Calcium

In a study, researchers found that women who obtain at least 800 mg of calcium daily had a 25% lower colorectal cancer risk than those who had 400 mg daily. Dairy products are not recommended as they have been shown to rapidly change microbes present in the gut in favor of inflammation-causing ones. The best calcium-rich foods to include are: carrots and carrot juice, kale and other dark leafy greens, sesame seeds and tahini, almond butter and almonds, broccoli, oats, and navy beans.

12. Drink Green Tea Daily

Green tea contains a variety of potent anti-cancer nutrients known as polyphenols, including the most notable one epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been proven effective against cancer in many studies. ​EGCG is highly anti-cancerous and can prevent tumors from forming in the colon. Drink at least 3 cups daily to maximize protective effects.

13 Best Foods to Cleanse Your Colon

 

Do you need to cleanse your colon?

Colon cancer is on the rise in young people—a worrying trend that’s been climbing since the 1990s, according to the National Cancer Institute. Yet experts aren’t exactly sure why, especially because the overall number of cases of colon cancer is down 45 percent in this same timeframe. Yale Medicine reports that today, those under 55 are almost 60 percent more likely to develop the disease. And by 2030, researchers expect colon cancer to be the number one cause of death for people ages 20 to 49. 

"We think the environment, including a worsening diet, is playing a role in this increase," says Michael A. Valente, DO, a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. Still, story after story of younger, healthy people facing colon cancer diagnoses—like this 34-year-old mom, this 24-year-old post-grad, and this 42-year-old yoga instructor—have prompted medical authorities to update guidelines. The US. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommendation for colorectal cancer screening to age 45, and Yale Medicine doctors advise that people as young as 20 understand the colon cancer warning signs.  

Exotic blends of herbal teas, saltwater flushes, and detoxing supplements all promise to cleanse your colon of toxins and waste, reducing your risk of colon cancer. But the Mayo Clinic explains that there’s no evidence these colon cleansing products do anything beneficial—and they may even have harmful effects like dehydration, infection, and rectal tears. The reasoning is simple: a healthy colon cleanses itself naturally. So, while you don’t need a magic elixir to clear waste from your body, the right foods in your diet can promote long-lasting colon health. 

Your diet can cleanse your colon naturally

Though your small intestine does the heavy lifting when it comes to digesting food, the colon's function is to suck all the moisture out of that food, Dr. Valente says. "Your colon draws the water back into your system to hydrate you," he adds. It also stores and helps eliminate waste—and for it to be healthy, you need to put the right foods in, Dr. Valente says. The American Cancer Society agrees, pointing to studies that link diets high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with a decreased risk of colon cancer. 

Load up on quinoa and brown rice

Your focus should be on whole foods that are as close to the state in which Mother Nature made them. Minimally processed whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa, are a great place to start, says Dr. Valente. These are packed with fiber, which is why they're among the top foods that cleanse your colon— eating three servings daily lowers colorectal cancer risk by 17 percent, per a 2017 report from the Harvard T Chan School of Public Health.

A 2020 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reinforces this finding, adding that  the fiber found in whole grains is strongly tied to a lower colon cancer risk.

Add beans and lentils

Legumes like beans and lentils are also loaded with fiber. People who eat the most fiber from vegetable sources like legumes are 35 percent less likely to have colon polyps—a small clump of cells in the lining of the colon that can develop into cancer—compared to those who eat the least. These legumes may also contain cancer-protective phytochemicals, researchers say. And you can keep things simple by stocking your pantry with canned beans. They’re one of the top canned foods nutritionists themselves buy  

Supplement with chia

Eating just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds will give you a whopping 10 grams of fiber, as much as 40 percent of your daily needs. (Aim for 25 to 35 grams daily, advises Dr. Valente.) There's a reason why you want to hit this mark: "Fiber moves stool through your colon and brings toxic chemicals and other substances like cholesterol out of your system," he explains. Nutrients within fiber may also affect the colon on a cellular level to guard against disease.

Load up on broccoli, cauliflower, and kale

Talk about foods that cleanse your colon: some of the best sources of fiber come in veggie form. One study found that eating a serving of cooked green veggies lowered colon cancer risk by 24%. Since it's not always practical to track fiber by the gram, an easier method is to make sure two-thirds of your plate comes from fiber-rich veggie sources like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, says Dr. Valente—and learn more about why you should eat them raw.

Fill up on salmon, sardines, and trout

For people who have colorectal cancer, those who increased their intake of omega-3 from fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout had a lower risk of mortality compared to those who avoid fish, finds research published in the journal Gut. This is because omega 3 fats may stop cancer cell growth and even promote the death of colon cancer cells.

Eat more walnuts

Not only do walnuts supply a couple grams of fiber per ounce (14 halves), but they also contain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which is why Dr. Valente recommends them among the foods that cleanse your colon. Animal research suggests that walnut consumption breeds a healthier gut environment and may reduce the development of cancerous colon tumors. There are also plenty of other health benefits of walnuts you'll get from eating them.

Dish up yogurt

Fermented dairy products like yogurt pack gut-healthy probiotics—and regular consumption is tied to a lowered risk of colon cancer, according to a 2022 review of studies published in Frontiers in Nutrition. Bonus: The probiotics—healthy bacteria—can also help decrease some of the gas associated with eating beans and cruciferous veggies, says Dr. Valente. If you can't eat dairy, try these probiotic-rich food picks instead or check out this probiotic supplement nutrition pros love..

The worst foods for your colon

The things you cut from your diet will help protect your colon as well. The American Cancer Society points to red meats like beef, pork, and lamb and processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meats with an increased risk of colon cancer.: If you want to include animal protein in your diet, stick to poultry and fish. As for alcohol? Dr. Valente recommends sticking to a drink a day to maintain colon health. 

It's OK to supplement

Don’t expect a colon cleansing supplement to keep your colon in great shape—but a fiber supplement may do the trick. Supplements never make up for a lousy diet, but it can help you maximize your fiber intake if you’re struggling to do so from food alone. Dr. Valente says to just check in with your doctor and make sure you're also eating vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. 

Go slow

If you've decided to  eat more fiber, add it to your diet gradually, warns Dr. Valente. "The breakdown of food in your colon produces bacteria that release gas," he says. That can translate to uncomfortable gas and bloating and frequent bowel movements. The experience can be so unpleasant that some people give up on their healthy choices altogether. Start by adding a high-fiber serving of, say, veggies a day for a week; then go up to two a day. Note that you'll also need to drink more water as you eat more fiber, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you're adding a fiber supplement, start with one teaspoon daily; after two weeks, take two teaspoons daily; after a month, you can take the entire suggested serving. Your gut will thank you.

The Worst Eating Habit for Colon Cancer, New Study Suggests

 Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancer diagnoses that those living in the United States find themselves facing, according to Cancer.org. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that well over 106,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 alone on top of 44,850 new cases of rectal cancer. Beyond that, colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, which is just one reason why you'll want to avoid the disease if possible. That's also why you'll be interested to find out that a new study has determined the worst eating habit for colon cancer.

In the BMJ study published on August 31, 2022, researchers took a look at three separate studies that involved more than 200,000 health care professionals in the United States. Around 46,000 of the participants were men while almost 160,000 were women. Initially providing information regarding their eating habits via a questionnaire every four years, they were explicitly asked about the amount of ultra-processed foods they ate and how regularly.

When researchers followed up with the participants 25 years later, they found that 1,294 men had been diagnosed with colon cancer along with 1,922 women. They also found that men who ate more ultra-processed foods were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer even when other variables were considered.

"This study is incredibly interesting," Radhika Smith, MD, Washington University colorectal surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center, tells Eat This, Not That! "It further proves the link of both diet and obesity with colorectal cancer."

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Dr. Smith explains that ultra-processed foods may affect colon cancer risk due to the harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients found in these foods.

"Many of these ultra-processed foods are made with additives and preservatives which are known carcinogens," Dr. Smith says. "Some of these additives haven't been linked directly to causing cancer yet, but given the rising risk of young patients with colorectal cancer, we have to be concerned about unknown factors in the food we eat."

Another reason why ultra-processed foods could lead to cancer is that they are calorically dense, which can lead to weight gain. "There is a clear link between obesity and colorectal cancer, and diets high in processed foods could also be high in excessive calories," adds Dr. Smith. 

At the same time, while the study found that women who were eating more ready-to-eat and heat-mixed meals increased their risk of colon cancer, ultra-processed foods didn't have the same effect. Dr. Smith addresses this by saying that "there's so much we don't know about who gets colorectal cancer and why, so we can only draw so many conclusions on available data." 

Tips to cut back on ultra-processed foods

When it comes to examples of popular ultra-processed foods that people should avoid, Dr. Smith tells Eat This, Not That!, "Generally speaking, I encourage patients to just avoid food that has an ingredient list. The more fresh meat dairy and produce you can choose the better."

"If you are choosing something that's been processed, look at that ingredient list and avoid foods that contain anything in it that you can't pronounce. It's pretty simple but it's a good rule of thumb to help you keep you and your family safe," says Dr. Smith.

Doctors Say These are the Signs of a Secret Cancer, Including Pancreatic Cancer

 Cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart disease, but many people have fallen behind on their cancer screenings over the past three years. "Cancer screening aims to find cancer before symptoms appear while the tumor is still small and confined, which is when the chance of cure is the highest," says Jyoti D. Patel, MD, FASCO. "Different groups, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force, or USPSTF, offer recommendations for screening for different types of cancer, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer, depending on a person's age and risk factors. In addition to these cancers that can be detected by screening, some cancers are found during routine medical appointments when a health care provider notices an abnormal lump or skin lesion during a physical exam or when routine blood tests find an abnormality."

One important element of cancer prevention is being frank and honest with health professionals, and being comfortable asking questions. "If you don't ask questions you won't know if you're doing the things that are right for you to help lower your cancer risk," says Therese Bevers, MD, Medical Director of the Cancer Prevention Center at MD Anderson. "Something might be missed. Ask your doctor for a cancer risk assessment. Your personal history, family history and lifestyle choices all affect your cancer risk. Be specific. Ask your doctor what your risk is for certain cancers. Your risk for one type of cancer may be greater than another type of cancer. Getting specific will allow you to make sure you're getting the information you need. While there are standard screening guidelines, they may vary, depending on family history, personal health history, inherited risk factors and behaviors. Talk to your doctor to make sure your screening exams are up to date."

According to Dr. Patel, screenings are climbing back up but are nowhere near where they need to be. "Although screening rates for many cancers have started to rebound after the first wave of COVID-19, they are still lower than levels in 2019," she says. "The National Cancer Institute predicts that there will be at least 10,000 excess deaths from breast and colorectal cancers over the next 10 years in the United States as a direct result of people not getting regular mammograms and colonoscopies. These deaths don't include the effects that interruptions in cancer treatment or decreases in preventive measures, such as getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, have had, so there may be even more excess deaths as a result of this pandemic."  

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Abdominal Pain

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Abdominal pain that radiates to the back could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Lying down can make the pain worse, while sitting up can relieve it. Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the US, and is often found too late for effective treatment. "Although pancreatic cancer is rare, it is a devastating disease with low survival rates," says US Preventive Services Task Force member Chyke Doubeni, MD, MPH. "Unfortunately, we do not currently have an effective test to screen for pancreatic cancer."

Even in cases where the cancer is detected early, the average survival is only 36 months. "New effective screening tests are needed that can find pancreatic cancer earlier," says Task Force member Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MPH, MSEE. "We also need better treatments that can lead to improved survival or a cure with fewer harms."

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Fatigue

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Fatigue could be a symptom of ovarian cancer, another cancer that can stay quiet until it's in the advanced stages. "While ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, according to the American Cancer Society a woman's overall lifetime risk of developing it is still relatively low," says Danielle Marie Mitch, PA-C. "Slightly more than 1% of women in the U.S. with no significant family history or additional risk factors will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer most often occurs in women after menopause, with the possibility increasing with age. Half of all ovarian cancers are in women aged 63 or older and the disease affects white women more frequently than Black women.

"Besides having an annual pelvic exam and knowing the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer, trust your gut. You know your body. If something feels wrong, seek care. Diagnosing ovarian cancer can be challenging. However, by staying in tune with your body, sharing your knowledge with friends and family, and talking to your health-care provider if anything seems out of the ordinary, you can make an impact in the fight against ovarian cancer."

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Vaginal Bleeding

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Unusual bleeding after sex or menopause, or in between periods, could be a sign of cervical cancer. Another sign is vaginal mucus that is watery and has blood in it. "Unfortunately, the early stages of cervical cancer generally show no signs or symptoms," says Kristina Butler, MD, MS. "And this is why we emphasize getting Pap smears every three to five years and yearly pelvic exams. Once the cancer has progressed, it can show these symptoms: Unusual vaginal bleeding, for example, after intercourse or between periods or after menopause. Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy or have an odor. And pelvic pain or other pain can also occur during intercourse."

So when should screenings for cervical cancer begin? Most guidelines suggest starting regular screening for cervical cancer at age 21," says Dr. Butler. "And during these screenings, a provider collects cells from the cervix to be tested in the lab. HPV DNA tests examine the cell specifically for HPV that can lead to pre-cancer. A Pap test, or commonly called a Pap smear, tests the cells for abnormalities. The process of these tests are not painful but can be mildly uncomfortable." 

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Blood In Stool

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Blood in stool could be a sign of colorectal cancer, experts say. "I often hear from patients that they are not experiencing any colorectal cancer symptoms, so they decide to delay the screening for the disease," says Diana Franco Corso, MD. Unfortunately, many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms at all in the early stages of the disease. By the time pain, bleeding and changes in bowel habits occur, the cancer may not be curable. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about your risk factors and recommended screening schedule."

"Most often, colorectal cancer starts with precancerous polyps in the lining of the colon," says Stephan Thomé, MD. "These precancerous cells can form in the shape of a mushroom, lie flat or be embedded in the colon walls. Finding and removing the polyps helps prevent colorectal cancer. Colon cancer screening is of paramount importance for preventing and catching colorectal cancer early. Although a colonoscopy isn't perceived as the most glamorous screening, the benefits far outweigh the downfalls. Experts recommend that patients should begin colon screening at 45 or 10 years prior to when an immediate family member was diagnosed with colon cancer. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at 48, have your first screening at 38."

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Coughing

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A cough that doesn't go away could be a sign of lung cancer. "Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, among both men and women," says Tobias Peikert, MD, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. "Typical symptoms, which usually appear only when the disease is advanced, include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood and hoarseness. In general, screening is recommended for people 55 to 80 who have smoked for 30 pack years or more. Pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked a day and the number of years smoked."

Even people who don't smoke should get screened, depending on risk factors. "Screening may be appropriate for other individuals at increased risk for lung cancer, too," says Dr. Peikert. "If you think you may fall into one of those categories based on your health history, family history or exposure to cancer-causing substances, talk to your health care provider about screening. A national study conducted in 2011 found that annual lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals significantly reduced lung cancer-related deaths in that population."