[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/the-first-signs-of-colon-cancer-in-women\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/the-first-signs-of-colon-cancer-in-women\/","headline":"The Risk of Colon Cancer in Women","name":"The Risk of Colon Cancer in Women","description":"The Risk of Colon Cancer in Women February 27, 2024 Colon cancer can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. While colon cancer occurs slightly more frequently in men, women are nearly as susceptible and should know the warning signs of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk for […]","datePublished":"2024-02-27","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\/02\/female-patient-with-colorectal-cancer-concept-on-blue-background.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/female-patient-with-colorectal-cancer-concept-on-blue-background.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/the-first-signs-of-colon-cancer-in-women\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1435,"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\tThe Risk of Colon Cancer in Women\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 27, 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 can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. While colon cancer occurs slightly more frequently in men, women are nearly as susceptible and should know the warning signs of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk for developing colon cancer is one in 23 for men and one in 25 for women.The medical oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation’s largest networks of cancer specialists, have considerable experience and expertise in treating colon cancer. Let\u2019s take a deeper dive into colon cancer, its causes, the warning signs of colon cancer in women, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\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 Is Colon Cancer?Colon cancer impacts the colon, the portion of the large intestine that breaks down waste and helps to digest foods and absorb nutrients.Colon cancer often develops from polyps inside the colon. These polyps are usually found in the innermost colon lining, called the mucosa. Polyps are made of cells that excrete mucus, among other fluids. When the cells inside these polyps become changed or mutated, cancer can develop. At that point, the mutated cells begin to rapidly multiply and grow. This is how tumors are formed.If polyps are detected on a colonoscopy, the physician performing that screening procedure typically will remove them. Although most polyps are noncancerous, they can slowly become cancerous over time. Without treatment, cancer arising from polyps can spread first to other areas of the colon and eventually invade nearby structures, such as the lymph nodes and blood vessels. This is why early detection and colon cancer treatment are so important.Causes of Colon CancerSeveral factors have been found to increase the risk of developing colon cancer. \u00adThese risk factors for colon cancer include:Genetics: Individuals with a family history of polyps or cancer are more susceptible to developing colon cancer.Lifestyle choices: Not getting enough exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to colon cancer development.Poor diet: A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can increase colon cancer risk, as can eating processed meats.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patients with chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the colon, such as Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis, can be at increased risk of colon cancer.While colon cancer most often affects individuals who are 50 years of age and older, the number of younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is increasing. Similarly, while men are somewhat more susceptible to the disease, it can also affect women. That makes it important for women to know the early signs of colon cancer.Signs of Colon Cancer in WomenThe signs of colon cancer are the same for both in men and women. These symptoms can include:Fatigue\/weaknessBloody stoolUnintended weight lossRegular pain in the abdomenRectal bleedingBloatingCrampingChanges in stool patterns, such as constipation or diarrheaWhile the signs and symptoms of colon cancer are the same for men and women, women can experience some sex-specific conditions, such as menstrual-related cramping or a sensation of bloating sometimes associated with oral contraceptive use, that mimic the symptoms of colon cancer.Further, it is important to note that the great majority of women and men who experience one or more of the symptoms listed above will not have colon cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period.Colonoscopies and Other Preventive TestingRegular colon cancer screenings are designed to detect pre-cancerous polyps and early-stage, asymptomatic cancer. The most common procedure for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy, which typically is performed by a gastroenterologist, colorectal surgeon, or other physician with specialized training in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. During the procedure, the physician inserts a thin probe called a colonoscope into the colon via the anus. Patients having a colonoscopy typically receive conscious sedation medication or light anesthesia to prevent discomfort. \u00a0The colonoscope is made with flexible tubing, allowing easy and convenient insertion and mobility. It also is equipped with a small video camera and a light to provide the physician with a clear view of the colon. This enables the physician to carefully inspect the colon lining and tissues to check for signs of colon cancer, such as polyps or irritated and swollen tissues.If polyps are found, they may be removed during the colonoscopy. A polyp sample is then sent to a laboratory to determine if it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).Other measures for preventative colon cancer testing include:Virtual colonoscopy: This method uses a specialized X-ray that enables physicians to look for signs of ulceration, polyps, or tumors in the colon and rectum.Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This assay detects blood that may be contained in stool, a possible indication of colon cancer. which physicians can then use to test for signs of cancer.Fecal DNA test: This test assesses the DNA in a stool sample provided by a patient, examining it for genetic mutations associated with colon cancer.Genetic testing: After taking a patient\u2019s DNA sample, physicians test it in a lab to check for genes associated with an elevated risk for colon cancer.While these less-invasive screening methods can rule out colon cancer for many people at normal risk of the disease, a colonoscopy may still be necessary if noninvasive test results suggest a problem.Once colon cancer is diagnosed, a medical oncologist will work with the patient to develop and implement a personalized treatment plan. Identifying the optimal treatment strategy for a specific patient involves evaluating the patient\u2019s condition, stage of colon cancer, family medical history, type of colon cancer, and other factors.The Importance of Early DetectionScheduling regular screening appointments for colon cancer is essential for detecting the early signs of colon cancer and for reducing the risk of developing the disease.Both the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that everyone at normal risk for colon cancer receive regular colonoscopy screenings for colon cancer every 10 years, starting at age 45. Both organizations, however, recommend earlier and more frequent screenings for persons with a family history of polyps or cancer, or who have an inflammatory bowel condition.Delayed diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can have detrimental consequences. A person with polyps who puts off screening can be at risk of the polyp turning cancerous. While some polyps take years to mutate, others can change quickly.Additionally, as cancer goes untreated, cancerous cells can grow and multiply. Cancer can spread throughout the colon and into nearby structures, such as blood vessels and lymph nodes. In contrast, as noted above, non-cancerous polyps are promptly removed during routine colonoscopies \u2013 before they can become cancerous.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Colon Cancer Treatment Experts at RCCAPatients can rely on the expert medical oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates to provide the latest therapies for colon cancer and comprehensive, compassionate care. RCCA oncologists and hematologists see more than 26,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 245,000 established patients, collaborating closely with their patients\u2019 other physicians.RCCA has 22 conveniently located community-based centers throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, so you can find excellent colon cancer treatment close to home.If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with colon cancer or need a second opinion, schedule an appointment or contact us today.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\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\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\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\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\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\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\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":"The Risk of Colon Cancer in Women","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/the-first-signs-of-colon-cancer-in-women\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]