A new national survey has revealed a troubling reality: many Americans are unaware that everyday lifestyle choices — drinking alcohol, being inactive, eating poorly, and carrying excess weight — significantly increase the risk of colon cancer.
The findings, released by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlight a serious gap in public awareness that experts say may be fueling rising rates of colon cancer, particularly among younger people.
🚨 A Preventable Cancer, but Awareness Is Lacking
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer in the U.S. Experts emphasize that while some risk factors are genetic or unavoidable, many are within personal control.
“We talk about risk factors as if they’re unchangeable, but many are modifiable with proper education,” said Dr. Matthew Grossman, gastroenterologist at the Atlantic Digestive Health Institute.
Dr. Suneel Kamath, gastrointestinal oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, echoed this concern: “The main takeaway is that many colon cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are preventable. Awareness is the first step.”
📊 What the Survey Found
The survey included about 1,000 U.S. adults. Results showed:
- 51% did not know alcohol use raises colon cancer risk
- 42% didn’t link lack of exercise with colon cancer
- 38% did not see obesity as a risk factor
- 37% didn’t believe poor diet contributes to colon cancer
Alcohol is classified as a known human carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services, linked not only to colon cancer but also breast, liver, and esophageal cancers. Similarly, diets high in ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and red or processed meats — combined with lack of exercise — can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
📈 Why Younger People Are at Risk
Colorectal cancer cases among adults under 55 have been increasing since the mid-1990s. In 1995, about 11% of advanced cases were in this age group. By 2019, that number had nearly doubled to 20%.
“Young people often don’t think about colon cancer, but they should,” Grossman warned. “These lifestyle factors matter early in life.”
Black and Hispanic communities also face disproportionate risk. Lack of awareness is believed to contribute to higher mortality rates among Black Americans and the fastest growth in cases among Hispanic Americans.
⚠️ Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
The American Cancer Society now recommends starting colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50. Some people, including those with a family history or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome, may need to start even earlier.
Symptoms that should prompt an immediate discussion with a doctor include:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained abdominal pain or cramps
- Sudden changes in bowel habits
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Feeling like the bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
✅ A Path Toward Prevention
Experts say that education campaigns and awareness drives are essential to helping people make lifestyle changes that could dramatically reduce colon cancer rates.
“Alcohol, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity are all modifiable risk factors,” Kamath emphasized. “By spreading awareness, we can prevent thousands of cases.”
The message is clear: knowing your risks and making healthier lifestyle choices could be life-saving.
