Colon Cancer: 5 uncommon signs and ways to reduce your risk, as per top Harvard doc-scientist

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world today, and is increasingly targeting even young people, under 45 years of age. The condition is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum, often starting as a polyp. While sometimes, colon cancer can be genetic as well, most of the times it can be traced back to everyday lifestyle habits, that we usually brush off as ‘harmless’. However, over a period of time, these habits or foods wreak havoc on your colon, which can turn into cancer. Dr Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, and Harvard doc-scientist, reveals five easy ways through which you can keep colon cancer risk at bay. Also look out for some uncommon symptoms as well…

Alcohol consumption hugely nudges your odds towards developing colon cancer. Research consistently shows that even light or moderate drinkers, face a higher chance of being diagnosed with the condition. This occurs because over a period of time, alcohol can wear down the lining of your colon, trigger inflammation, and increase the formation of cancer causing substances in your digestive tract. Cutting back, or better quitting alcohol, is among the best ways to safeguard your colon and bolster overall health. Experts generally advise steering of alcohol or limiting it strictly, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer.

Eating lots of meat-beef, pork, lamb, and processed varieties, like bacon, ham and sausages, has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Studies show that those who consume processed meats are roughly one-third more likely to develop colon cancer, compared to people who eat very little of it. Processed meats carry chemicals that once digested, can damage the cells in your colon and over time, help cancer take hold. Just swapping your processed meats for fish, chicken or plant‑based proteins is a no‑brainer that can pull down your cancer risk.

Just like processed meat, ultra‑processed foods, like packaged snacks, instant noodles, ready‑to‑eat meals and sugary cereals, are packed with preservatives, artificial additives and unhealthy fats. Regularly eating these items, has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Studies show that men who consume six or more servings of these foods each day, are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who eat fewer. The additives and chemicals packed into those foods, can skew the gut microbiome and spark inflammation, a process that can pave the road to cancer. Sticking to whole unprocessed fare, fortifies your colon, and boosts your gut health.

Soft drinks energy drinks, sweetened teas and other sugary beverages raise the odds of colon cancer, by stoking inflammation and promoting weight gain. These drinks aren’t just tied to obesity-a well‑known cancer risk factor, but also to spikes in blood sugar and insulin, which can gradually wear down colon cells. Recent studies suggest that women in particular, are likely to increase their colon‑cancer risk by sipping one or more drinks each day. Ditching sugary drinks for water, tea or a quick homemade fruit‑infused water, does wonders for your colon, and overall health.

Spending marathon hours glued to a seat, whether it’s at a work desk, glued to the TV or sprawled on the couch, can push up colon‑cancer risk even for those who work out. People who sit than five hours a day at a stretch, face a higher chance of developing colon cancer, compared to those who sit under an hour. And it isn’t the sitting time; the amount of TV you watch on its own, also nudges that risk upward, regardless of how much you exercise. Interrupting bouts of sitting with a few stretches or a short stroll throughout the day, can help bring that risk down. Aim to get up every hour, and include a bit of movement into your routine.

An inexplicable decline in weight

Unexpected weight loss can sometimes be the body’s alarm, for colon cancer. This occurs because as a tumor expands it uses up the body’s nutrients, and may release chemicals that rev up metabolism, nudging the scale downward. Research indicates that shedding more than five percent of body weight over a six‑to twelve‑month stretch, should trigger an evaluation. Without any symptoms, a rapid unexplained drop in weight may signal a hidden cancer or another serious illness. Being mindful of this warning, can make all the difference.

Iron‑deficiency anemia can be a clue to colon cancer, especially in people over fifty, or in women who have gone through menopause. It usually stems from a chronic bleed that oozes from a tumor resting in the colon-often so slight that it never shows up in the stool. The resulting anemia brings the usual suspects: fatigue, a pallid complexion, and occasional dizziness. A simple blood test that reveals hemoglobin can trigger a work‑up, which may ultimately expose the underlying cancer. That’s why this sign matters; it can be the hint of colon cancer when other warning signs like bleeding are missing.

In most cases, early‑stage colon cancer doesn’t bring on nausea or vomiting. Once the disease advances and a tumor begins to block the bowel, those symptoms can emerge. This occurs because an obstruction stalls the flow of food and waste through the colon, leaving a person feeling queasy and often prompting vomit. When nausea and vomiting appear with constipation, abdominal cramping or noticeable swelling, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Although a host of other conditions too can cause this complaint, they may also point to a serious issue such as cancer.

Jaundice, a yellow tint to the skin and whites of the eyes, is a rare but serious sign that colon cancer has spread to the liver. This causes disruption in liver function and bile processing. Jaundice is often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools. While jaundice is more common in advanced cancer stages, its presence should always prompt urgent medical attention. Recognizing jaundice as a possible cancer symptom helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Although rare, people with colon cancer may experience frequent infections and unexplained fevers. Tumors can weaken the immune system or cause abscesses, leading to ongoing infections. Fever may result from the body reacting to cancer or complications like tumor-related abscesses in the abdomen. If infections do not respond well to usual treatments or are repetitive, checking for underlying causes like cancer becomes important. This symptom is often overlooked but can be a clue in complicated cases.

Staying healthy can reduce the chances of cancer in general. This includes a healthy diet, and enough exercise