[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/colon-cancer-facts-and-fiction\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/colon-cancer-facts-and-fiction\/","headline":"Colon Cancer Facts and Fiction","name":"Colon Cancer Facts and Fiction","description":"Colon Cancer Facts and Fiction March 9, 2024 Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, with more than 106,000 new cases anticipated in 2024, the American Cancer Society says. But even though colon cancer is so common, many misconceptions surround the disease. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is a […]","datePublished":"2024-03-09","dateModified":"2025-12-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/#Person","name":"Advance SEO","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/person-with-arms-folded-wearing-blue-ribbon-in-support-of-colon-cancer-awareness.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/person-with-arms-folded-wearing-blue-ribbon-in-support-of-colon-cancer-awareness.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/colon-cancer-facts-and-fiction\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1314,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tColon Cancer Facts and Fiction\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 9, 2024\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tColon cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, with more than 106,000 new cases anticipated in 2024, the American Cancer Society says. But even though colon cancer is so common, many misconceptions surround the disease.Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is a trusted provider of cutting-edge treatments for many cancer types, including colorectal cancer. RCCA’s expert, experienced medical oncologists employ the latest evidence-based therapies to treat patients with solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and non-cancerous blood disorders at more than 20 locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Here, RCCA experts set the record straight regarding colon cancer myths and facts, so that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information and can make informed decisions concerning your health.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommon Colon Cancer MythsHere are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding colon cancer:Myth: Colonoscopies are not safe.Fact: Colonoscopies play a critical role in preventing colon cancer by enabling physicians to identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps. The outpatient procedures also are key to the early detection and treatment of colon cancer. A 2023 study in the journal Nature suggests that with every 1,000 colonoscopies performed, 28 lives are saved. However, some people are reluctant to undergo a colonoscopy because they believe the procedure is unsafe. Although colonoscopy carries some risks \u2013 as does any medical procedure \u2013 colonoscopies have been shown to be to be both effective and safe.Myth: Colonoscopies are painful.Fact: Many people also fear colonoscopies are painful. However, colonoscopy patients generally receive sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, so they typically feel no discomfort during the procedure.Myth: Colonoscopies are the only screening option for colon cancer.Fact: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening, but it is not the only option. Other types of colon cancer screenings include:Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This screening procedure involves using a sigmoidoscope to examine the inside of a patient\u2019s rectum and a portion of the colon for abnormalities.Computed tomography (CT) colonography: With this advanced CT scan X-rays form 3D models if the colon, enabling specialists to look for polyps or tumors.At-home stool tests. People at normal risk of colon or rectal cancer can do an at-home screen that tests for hidden blood in the stool \u2013 a finding that could signal a developing polyp or colon cancer. One widely advertised at-home stool test evaluates samples for both fecal blood and DNA changes potentially indicative of colon cancer.While at-home stool tests may be an alternative to more invasive screening methods for certain patients, the tests typically need to be done every 1 to 3 years. And if the results are suspicious, a colonoscopy may still be needed.Myth: There are limited options for treating colon cancer.Fact: The options for treating colon cancer have expanded dramatically in recent years. While surgery remains a mainstay of treatment, many \u2013 if not most \u2013 patients receive more than one type of treatment to optimize their outcomes. The different interventions and therapies typically are sequenced, with \u2013 for example \u2013 surgery followed by chemotherapy or perhaps immunotherapy. Beyond surgery, other approaches used to treat colon cancers include:Radiation therapyChemotherapyTargeted therapyImmunotherapyDecisions about which treatments are best for a particular patient are based on factors including the person\u2019s overall health and the type and extent of his or her colon cancer.Myth: Colon cancer occurs only in older adults.Fact: Although colon cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, rates of colon cancer in patients younger than 50 years of age have nearly doubled since 1990.What We Know: Colon Cancer FactsColon cancer develops when cells in the lining of the colon grow out of control. These abnormal growths are called polyps, some of which can turn into cancer over time. Not all polyps become cancerous. The likelihood of a polyp turning into cancer depends in part on the type of polyp. The two main types of polyps are:Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps can sometimes change into cancer and are considered a precancerous condition.Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: Found in the colon lining, these polyps are more common but generally are not precancerous.Colon Cancer Risk FactorsThe lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. Each person\u2019s risk is different and depends on risk factors such as:Age Age is a significant risk factor. Nearly 90 percent of colon cancer cases are reported in patients older than age of 50. On average, men with colon cancer are diagnosed at age 68, while the average age of diagnosis for women is 72.Ethnicity Ethnic background is another significant risk factor, although the reason is unclear. Black people are about 20 percent more likely to develop colon cancer than people from most other ethnic groups.Colon cancer also is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Black individuals, who are 40 percent more likely to succumb to the disease than people from most other racial\/ethnic groups.Personal and Family HistoryA person with a family history of colon cancer has an increased chance of also developing the cancer. Nearly 1 in 3 patients with colon cancer is related to someone who also has been diagnosed. Someone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer faces an even higher risk of developing the disease.Patients with a personal history of colon cancer are more likely to develop the cancer again. A previous diagnosis of colon cancer or other kinds of cancers increases the risk of recurrence.DietEating high amounts of red meat (beef, pork, lamb, and liver) and processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, jerky, and deli meats) raises the risk of developing colon cancer. By contrast, eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk.Smoking and Alcohol UseSmoking is most commonly associated with lung cancer, but it also has been linked to other types of cancer, including colon cancer. Regular smokers are more likely to develop colon cancer than people who do not smoke. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk.Obesity and Inactive LifestyleBeing overweight and inactive increases the risk of colon cancer. By contrast, regular exercise and remaining at a healthy weight can help lower the risk.Find Reliable Information and Comprehensive Care at RCCAPatients seeking reliable information regarding colon cancer and other types of cancer should turn to the oncology and hematology team at RCCA. In addition to offering cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments, RCCA\u2019s expert hematologists and oncologists aim to educate everyone under their care. Patients receive the most accurate information backed by the latest scientific data and evidence-based treatment guidelines.RCCA has 22 community-based, conveniently located treatment centers throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Contact RCCA today to schedule an appointment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCutting Your Cancer Risk: RCCA Oncologists Discuss 4 Lesser-Known Steps\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don\u2019t smoke. You drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. You avoid processed meats and you dab on the sunscreen before you hit the\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to Expect During a Lung Bronchoscopy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBronchoscopy is an invaluable tool that allows physicians to examine the inside of the lungs without surgery, enabling them to detect and diagnose lung cancer.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetting Your First Mammogram on Schedule Really Matters: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain Why\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are many reasons women don\u2019t obtain their first mammogram at the recommended age: work commitments and other demands on their time, uncertainty regarding when\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Colon Cancer Facts and Fiction","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/colon-cancer-facts-and-fiction\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]