• Posted March 16, 2025

Early Detection of Colon Cancer Is Critical for Women

Colon cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers affecting women today. 

Despite its impact, many women miss early warning signs, mistaking them for everyday digestive issues or menopause. Understanding the risks, symptoms and importance of early screening could be life-saving.

Colon cancer affects both men and women, but women may be more likely to overlook symptoms.

Common warning signs -- such as bloating, fatigue or changes in bowel habits -- are often mistaken for digestive issues or menopause-related changes. 

This can delay diagnosis, resulting in advanced disease by the time it is detected.

"Women often assume their symptoms are related to diet, stress or hormonal changes, which can delay seeking medical attention," said Dr. Brendan Scully, a surgeon in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health in New Brunswick, N.J. 

"The earlier we detect colorectal cancer, the more treatment options are available, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that lead to better outcomes and faster recovery with a higher chance of cure," he added in a news release.

Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of colon cancer:

• Age: Risk grows after 50

• Family history: A close relative with colon cancer or related genetic syndromes 

• Diet: High intake of red and processed meats

• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol use and lack of physical activity

• Medical history: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colon polyps

Signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Changes in bowel habits: Ongoing diarrhea, constipation, or narrowed stools lasting more than a few days

• Rectal bleeding: Bright red blood in stool or dark, tarry stools

• Abdominal discomfort: Cramping, bloating or pain

• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or exercise

• Fatigue and weakness: Persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest

• Unexplained anemia: Low blood levels on lab tests may indicate early disease

"Symptoms can be subtle at first, but if something feels off, don’t ignore it," Scully said in a news release. "Even small changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss warrant a discussion with your doctor.”

Early detection greatly improves colon cancer survival rates. 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening starting at age 45. 

Those with a family history, inflammatory bowel disease or genetic risk factors should talk to their doctor about screening earlier.

“Most patients, approximately 70%, will not have any symptoms early in the disease, which highlights the importance of screening prior to the onset of symptoms,” Scully said. “Those with symptoms, such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits should undergo diagnostic colonoscopy, even if not at the age for screening.”

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more on symptoms and causes of colon cancer.

SOURCE: Rutgers Cancer Institute, news release, March 10, 2025