The truth about women and colon cancer screenings

For women, especially those who don’t have a personal or family history of colon cancer, it’s easy to think that getting screened shouldn’t be a priority. Annual exams, which may include mammograms and pap smears, are already a lot to think about. Add getting a colonoscopy to that list, and it can all get a bit too much.

The perception that colon cancer is a "man's disease" is also a cause of confusion. Can women then be exempt from colorectal screenings? Let’s look at the facts to understand the risks, identify the symptoms, and recognize the importance of timely detection.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other organs. It starts as a polyp (small growth) that gets larger over time. While not all polyps are cancerous, some do turn into cancer.¹ In its early stages, it may present no symptoms.

It is also often considered the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer.² When caught in its early stages (1 & 2), colon cancer is survivable in about 90% of people.^*3 This is why the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk start screening at age 45.⁴

How men and women compare

The truth is, colon cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women.⁵ According to the ACS, the overall lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 24 in men, and 1 in 26 in women.⁶ So yes, although men are at a higher risk, anyone can get colon cancer, regardless of sex.

Do women experience different colon cancer symptoms?

Women and men share the same colon cancer symptoms. These could include:

• Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Abdominal discomfort (e.g., cramping, gas, or pain)
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness (often due to anemia)
• Low red blood cell count (detected via blood work)

Here's the tricky part: Some signs can be symptoms of other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, IBS, and diverticulitis.

It's also easy for women to dismiss and think of them as menstrual or gynecological issues, such as hormonal changes due to menopause. While these conditions may certainly be the cause, a proper medical evaluation is essential to get the right diagnosis.

Risk factors and how to lower them

Women and men have the same risk factors⁷ for colon cancer, including:

• Age (45 and above)
• A family history of colon cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon polyps
• A diet high in red and processed meats
• Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and a lack of exercise

As for how to lower your risk for colon cancer, lifestyle changes play a huge part:

• Quit smoking
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight
• Eat more fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Eat less red and processed meats

Preparing for your doctor visit

Get ready for your appointment by having the most important thing: information. This includes your personal or family history of colon cancer, a list of current medications, and your symptoms. Be as honest and candid as possible. Having that conversation may be awkward, but your doctor has most likely heard and seen it all, so there's no reason to be embarrassed. The best way to advocate for your health is to ask questions, and a good doctor will always strive to be your ally by providing the right answers to ease your mind.

The importance of colon cancer screening

Ultimately, the only way to detect colon cancer early is through screening. It is an important step in detecting colon cancer so treatment can begin as early as possible.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it, though – with all the prep that goes into it, undergoing a colonoscopy can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and know that you have less invasive options, including a safe, FDA-approved test you can use at home, such as Cologuard^®.