5 Surprising Facts About Colon Cancer

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer, the first thing to know is: you're not alone—and you have options. With over 1.9 million cases worldwide in 2020, colon cancer is one of the most common and treatable cancers if caught early (Kalpana & Babu, 2024).

Let’s take a deeper look at some surprising, science-backed facts that can empower you and your family on this journey.

1. Young People Can—and Do—Get Colon Cancer

Colon cancer has historically been considered a disease of older adults. However, rates in people under 50 are rising sharply—a trend that has baffled researchers and prompted new screening guidelines (Lingas, 2023).

Common early symptoms include:

• Unexplained fatigue

• Blood in stool

• Changes in bowel habits

• Bloating or cramps

• Weight loss without trying

If you’re under 50 and experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early detection could be lifesaving.

2. Men Are at Higher Risk Than Women

Yes, colon cancer affects everyone—but statistically, men have a 30% higher incidence of the disease than women. This gap is even wider for rectal cancer (Grundmann & Meyer, 2013). Women, however, are more likely to develop tumors in the proximal colon, which are harder to detect with traditional screening.

Takeaway? Everyone—regardless of gender—needs appropriate screening, especially if there’s a family history.

3. Your Lifestyle Plays a Bigger Role Than You Think

You can’t change your genes, but you can lower your risk. Colon cancer risk is strongly tied to lifestyle factors. Obesity alone was linked to 48.2% of colon cancer cases in one hospital-based study, well above the regional obesity rate (Pasumarthy & Srour, 2009).

Other modifiable risk factors include:

• Smoking

• Low-fiber, high-fat diets

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive red and processed meat intake

• Heavy alcohol use

On the flip side, a high-fiber diet and regular physical activity can reduce your risk significantly.

4. Colon Cancer Is Often Curable—When Caught Early

Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected in its early stages. The 5-year survival rate is up to 75% if the cancer hasn't spread beyond the colon wall (Abdihalim, 2009).

That’s why screening is key.

Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, but less invasive options like stool DNA tests and CT colonography can help boost screening rates for those hesitant about scopes.

5. Screening Guidelines Are Changing

Because of the rise in early-onset cases, most organizations now recommend beginning routine screening at age 45, not 50. If you have a family history, symptoms, or a condition like Lynch syndrome or ulcerative colitis, you may need to start even earlier (Weinberg & Marshall, 2019).

Surgical Options Can Be Lifesaving

At Suncoast Surgical Associates, our board-certified colorectal specialists are highly experienced in surgical options such as:

• Tumor resection

• Partial bowel removal

• Minimally invasive procedures

We work alongside your oncology team to customize your treatment plan—supporting both your recovery and long-term outcomes.

Colon cancer is serious—but it's also beatable. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or simply staying proactive, understanding the risk factors, early signs, and treatment options is your first line of defense.

Need expert care? Contact Suncoast Surgical Associates to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced colorectal surgeons.

Works Cited

• Abdihalim, M. (2009). Colon Cancer Screening: What You Should Know. American Family Physician.

• Grundmann, R., & Meyer, F. (2013). Gender-specific influences on incidence and outcome of colorectal cancer. Zentralblatt für Chirurgie.

• Kalpana, K., & Babu, G. N. K. S. (2024). Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology.

• Lingas, E. C. (2023). Early-Onset Colon Cancer: A Narrative Review. Cureus.

• Pasumarthy, L., & Srour, J. (2009). Assessing Obesity as a Risk Factor in Colon Cancer. The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

• Weinberg, B., & Marshall, J. (2019). Colon Cancer in Young Adults: Trends and Implications. Current Oncology Reports.