Sometime throughout your life, you probably have known a loved one who got diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Some of the most common cancers involve the breast, skin, and bowel. Colon cancer is one of the cancers under the bowel category. Each year over 100,000 people in the U.S. alone get diagnosed with colon cancer.  

     Usually those diagnosed with colon cancer are above 50, and screening takes place during colonoscopies, which are recommended for those 45 years and older. Luckily, the overall cases of colon cancer have been declining, along with the death rates. Despite this, colon cancer cases are on the rise for young adults. The cause remains unknown. The spike is extremely puzzling to scientists because no one knows how and why the increase is occurring. 

     According to the doctors at Yale Medicine, people from as young as 20 years old should be aware of the signs. It is encouraged to look at your family history of all types of cancers to be aware and take precautions to prevent cancers of any kind from forming. The symptoms of colon cancer can easily be seen as other issues involving the same area. Signs such as abdominal cramps, fatigue, and changes in bowel movement can be classified as a “minor” issue. If you or a loved one is experiencing similar symptoms, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. 

     There are preventative measures that you can take starting right now. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of not just colon cancer, but of all cancers. Additionally, avoiding alcohol, smoking, and other substances will lower the risk of many types of health issues. Your dietary habits also impact your health overall. Including less fats and processed foods regularly decreases the risk of cancer. It is important to be conscientious of your unhealthy habits and learn how to create healthy ones. 

     Overall, colon cancer is not something to be overlooked. With treatment, the survival rate is 64%. By understanding the causes, learning healthier habits, and researching your family’s history of cancer, you can reduce your chances of developing not only colon cancer, but every kind of cancer.