COLON CANCER: The Silent Killer Men Aren’t Talking About—But Should Be

by Reagan Hooper

Despite advances in screening and treatment, colon cancer remains a silent threat—especially for men, who are statistically less likely to seek preventive care.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be at least 54,510 diagnoses of colon cancer in men, a 33% higher incidence than in women.

Experts say lack of awareness, knowledge and screening have all played a part in these rising numbers. While most men believe that colorectal cancer is a problem reserved for their future, a recent study shows this type of cancer is deadliest for men under the age of 50, with the rates of diagnosis in this age group steadily increasing.

According to gastroenterologist Juan Teran, MD, with Imperial Health, colon cancer is not deadly because it can’t be cured, but because it if often not detected in its earliest, more treatable stages. He says colorectal cancer can display similar symptoms as other infections or inflammatory bowel disease, such as change in bowel habits, cramps, bloating, bloody stool, fatigue, etc. “Regular screenings are the best way to distinguish colon cancer from other conditions,” he explains.

“Screenings allows us to detect colon cancer in its early stages, very often in a pre-cancerous stage, and prevent the disease from progressing any further.”

Dr. Teran explains that the colonoscopy is the best screening tool for colon cancer because it is the most sensitive test to determine if polyps are present. Polyps are small growths within the colon that are the precursors for colon cancer. If allowed to go unchecked, polyps have a 10-40% chance of turning into cancer, depending on their pathology. A colonoscopy is the only test that can both identify colon polyps and remove them.

Thanks to sedation, colonoscopies are painless, and most people don’t remember anything about the procedure. The prep the day before the screening is what people usually dread, as it’s designed to clean the colon to allow for better visualization of polyps. However, Dr. Teran says the prep available now is much easier on patients. Not only is it a smaller amount of liquid, but it has a much better taste and is all available over the counter.

Depending on the findings of a colonoscopy, a physician may recommend repeating the test as soon as one year and as late as 10 years.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45. People may need to be screened earlier if they have any of the these risk factors:
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
• A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

“Colon cancer does not always come with specific warning signals that are easy to detect,” adds Dr. Teran. “This is why regular health exams where risk factors are discussed with your healthcare provider are so important, along with following recommended screening guidelines.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Teran’s office at 337-312-8462 or visit imperialhealth.com.