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Colorectal Cancer Symptoms & Prevention: What You Need to Know

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, cancer of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer used to be considered a disease of older adults but rates are rising in younger adults. In fact, Colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer in people under 50, and the second deadliest overall. 

It’s a conversation most of us avoid: changes in bowel habits, unusual stool, abdominal discomfort. Yet colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable cancers when detected early, so it is crucial we talk about it.

Signs & Symptoms to Pay Attention To

While not every symptom means cancer, the following changes should prompt a conversation with your healthcare provider:

  • Change in bowel habits (persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stools)

  • Feeling that bowels aren’t fully empty after a movement

  • Persistent abdominal discomfort  (cramps, bloating, gas, nausea)

  • Rectal bleeding  (bright red blood or darker, tarry stools)

  • Weakness or fatigue  (often due to anemia from unseen internal bleeding)

  • Unexplained weight loss  (losing pounds without trying)

These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancer conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, infections, etc., but are serious symptoms and they should be evaluated.

Many Cases Have No Symptoms at All

Many colorectal cancers early on feel fine. This silent phase is exactly why guidelines recommend beginning routine screening around age 45 (sooner if you have elevated risk factors). Early detection through screening dramatically improves outcomes and survival rates. 

What Actually Drives Risk?

Colorectal cancer is not just random, genetics, lifestyle, and diet also influence your chances of developing it. Some drivers of colorectal cancer include:

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction

  • Poor fiber intake

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • High intake of ultra-processed meats

  • Gut microbiome imbalance

  • Alcohol overuse

  • Smoking

The Gut Lining Is Not Just an Elimination Path

Just like the lining of the blood vessels (read our Cardiovascular Health Blog), the cells of the lining of the digestive tract are crucial to overall gut health. These cells need:

An unbalanced gut microbiome, low fiber intake, and high inflammation create an environment of weak colon cells more vulnerable to cancerous changes.

Five Evidence-Based Protective Strategies

1. Prioritize Fiber 

Aim for 25–40 grams daily from:

  • Vegetables

  • Berries & fruit

  • Resistant starch (cooled potatoes, rice, pasta; green bananas)

  • Seeds & Nuts

Fiber feeds beneficial bacteria which keep them healthy and prevent overgrowth of "bad" pathogenic bacteria. These beneficial bacteria also produce SCFAs like butyrate which support colon cell integrity and health. 

2. Support Metabolic Health

High insulin levels and elevated glucose are linked with an increased colorectal risk. Read our Blood Sugar Blog.

3. Move Daily

Physical activity consistently shows protective affects in colorectal research. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking several days a week reduces risk. Movement improves:

  • Insulin sensitivity

  • Immune surveillance

  • Gut motility

4. Nurture your Microbiome

Your microbiome is the unique mix of bacteria and other organism living in your digestive tract that far outnumber your human cells. Most of these are beneficial, and some even produce crucial nutrients for your cells. However, poor diet, antibiotic overuse, and alcohol consumption can disrupt your microbiome and lead to dysfunction. Beneficial foods include:

  • Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, 

  • High fiber foods such as asparagus, avocados, broccoli, berries

  • Polyphenol-rich foods  such as cocoa, olive oil, green tea, berries

5. Screen, even if you feel fine

Colorectal cancer often has no early symptoms. Screening options include:

  • FIT stool testing

  • Cologuard-type tests

  • Colonoscopy 

Lesser-Known Facts That Matter

  • Colon cancer can develop without obvious digestive symptoms.

  • Iron deficiency anemia can sometimes be the first sign.

  • Visceral fat increases risk independent of weight alone.

  • Long-term inflammation and persistent constipation are common features in many cases 

 

If you want to discuss your health with a professional for free, schedule a FREE Wellness Consultation!