Understanding colon cancer and the importance of early detection

Colon cancer remains one of the most significant health threats affecting Jamaicans today. While advances in treatment and screening have improved outcomes globally, many cases locally are still detected too late.

Medical experts and cancer advocates are urging Jamaicans to pay closer attention to their digestive health and take advantage of screening options that can detect the disease early, when it is most treatable.

Consultant surgeon Dr. Mike Mills explains that colon cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon.

“Colon cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells of part of the lining of the large intestine or bowel. It develops as a result of changes in the body’s ability to recognise and repair errors in the control mechanism or DNA blueprint which tells body cells how they should function normally,” Dr Mills said.

In many cases, the disease begins with small growths known as polyps. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous if they are not detected and removed.

“This early abnormal growth pattern most commonly starts as small polyps, which over time can progress to cancer of the bowel,” Dr Mills said.

Colon cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. According to Dr Mills, it ranks among the leading causes of cancer mortality in the country.

“Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in Jamaica and is considered a significant contributor to the healthcare burden of the country,” he said.

While definitive local data is still being compiled, doctors believe the number of cases may be rising, including among younger people.

“It is too early to say there is a definite increase as the local data is still unpublished. However, anecdotally there appears to be an increasing prevalence, including in younger people than before. Globally we are seeing similar trends, often linked to lifestyle factors,” Dr Mills said.

RISK FACTORS

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. Dr Mills said advancing age remains the most common risk factor, but lifestyle choices also play a major role.

“The major risk factors include advancing age, a strong family history of bowel cancers, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and a diet low in fibre but high in processed and red meat,” he said. “Fatty foods and certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or genetic factors can also increase risk.”

Many of these risk factors are related to everyday habits, making prevention partly dependent on lifestyle changes.

Health experts recommend increasing dietary fibre through fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, while limiting red meat, processed meats, fatty foods, and excess sugar.

“High fibre, less red meat, no processed meat, less fatty food, less alcohol or none, no smoking, exercise, weight loss and more fruits and vegetables are all beneficial to gut health,” Dr Mills said.

Physical activity also plays a supportive role in prevention. “Physical activity is important indirectly by promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing obesity,” he added.

One of the challenges with colon cancer is that it often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages.

“There are few early warning signs,” Dr Mills said. “The bowel is a hollow organ and is accustomed to having things inside it such as stool, gas or fluid, so many people do not recognise a problem until the cancer is large enough to obstruct the bowel or bleed.”

By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced. Common warning signs include persistent constipation, bleeding from the rectum, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habits.

“It is never too early to seek medical attention if you notice changes in bowel habits. Changes in frequency, size or consistency of stool, bleeding, pain, weight loss or low blood count are all indicators that something significant may be wrong,” Dr Mills said.

Because early symptoms are limited, routine screening is essential. Dr Mills recommends that Jamaicans begin screening at age 45. “The recommended screening age is 45 years for men and women. Some high-risk individuals, especially those with a family history of early bowel cancer, may need to start screening earlier,” he said.

Several screening methods are available locally, including stool tests for hidden blood, colonoscopy and CT or virtual colonoscopy. However, access can sometimes be challenging.

“Colonoscopy in particular can be limited because of the availability of trained practitioners and cost. Stool testing for blood is widely available and can serve as a good initial screening tool,” he said.

Beyond medical treatment, emotional and psychological support plays an essential role in recovery. “Emotional and psychological support are as important, and sometimes more important, than the physical treatments during the cancer journey,” Dr Mills said.

The Jamaica Cancer Society continues to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of screening. According to Shullian Brown, public relations and fundraising officer of the organisation, education remains a key priority.

“Colon cancer affects both males and females and it is the fourth most common cancer among women and the second affecting men,” Brown said.

Although the Society does not conduct colon cancer screening, it hosts an annual Colon Cancer Medical Symposium, to provide updates on research, prevention, and early detection.

“This year’s symposium will be held on March 15, 2026, and it is free to the public,” Brown said. Interested persons can email: jamaica.cancersociety@gmail.com

The organisation also offers support services for individuals diagnosed with colon cancer. “For newly diagnosed patients, we provide counselling support through partners such as Talk About IT and Systematic Interventions. Persons seeking assistance can visit our website at jcs.live,” Brown said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com