Most colorectal cancers occur in people with average risk. This means they don’t have gastrointestinal conditions or a family history of colon cancer or colorectal cancer but may have other risk factors which can include:  

• Age: Being over 50, as colon cancers are more common with age, though diagnoses in younger people are increasing. 
• Personal history: Having a family history of colon cancers or polyps. 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Having conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 
• Family history: Having first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer. 
• Inherited syndromes: Having genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). 
• Racial or ethnic background: Belonging to a group with higher rates of colorectal incidence, including Black and Native Americans. 
• Lifestyle factors: Engaging in heavy drinking or smoking, being obese, or having a high-fat, low-fiber diet.  

Hereditary and familial colon cancer

Diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome, predispose people to develop colon polyps. An early diagnosis combined with appropriate treatment and follow-up can dramatically lower the chances of developing colon cancer.

In addition to hereditary and familial colon cancer, we evaluate for MYH-associated polyposis (MAP), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyps. These conditions can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, so your doctor may recommend including colorectal cancer screening as part of your treatment plan.

Colon cancer prevention starts with regular screening

The best way to prevent colon cancer or successfully treat it is to catch it early. Recognizing possible warning signs of cancer and taking prompt action can lead to early diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool that lasts longer than four weeks 
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool 
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain 
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely 
• Weakness or fatigue 
• Unexplained weight loss

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests such as a colonoscopy can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings may also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.

Penn Medicine provides comprehensive colon cancer screening services near you at convenient locations in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey area. Our extensive network makes it easier for you to fit regular colon cancer screenings into your life.

Colon cancer prevention strategies

You can help reduce your risk of colon cancer by adopting these lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy diet by eating foods rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and low in fat. 
• Stay physically active by engaging in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.  
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

If you need help getting started, Penn Medicine offers nutrition counseling, obesity and weight management, smoking cessation, and alcohol addiction treatment programs that can help you develop a healthier lifestyle.

Evaluating the risk of hereditary colon cancer

If you are at increased risk for colon cancer based on your personal or family history, Penn Medicine’s Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program provides clinical, genetic, and research services. We offer:

• A comprehensive evaluation of your personal and family medical history 
• A discussion of your genetic testing options 
• Genetic testing (if applicable) 
• A plan for managing your cancer risk

By evaluating your hereditary risks, your doctor can recommend the most effective screening tests and a prevention plan to detect colon cancer early.