Truckers Face Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk: What Contributes to It, How to Reduce the Odds.

Long-haul truckers face elevated risks due to lifestyle factors. Regular screenings and healthy habits are crucial for this at-risk group.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the prevention, early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, with approximately 5% of men and 4% of women being diagnosed in their lifetime. For 2025, it's estimated that 154,270 adults will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 52,900 deaths will occur due to this disease.

Truckers and Colorectal Cancer: A Concerning Connection
Long-haul truck drivers face a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the general population. A study of over 47,000 truck drivers revealed alarming statistics:

• Obesity significantly increases CRC risk: Obese and morbidly obese drivers have 4 times greater odds of being diagnosed with CRC compared to drivers of normal weight.
• Multiple health conditions compound the risk: Truckers with four or more concomitant medical conditions were 7 times more likely to have CRC.
• • Age is a significant factor: The odds of CRC increase by 10% per year of age among truck drivers. Nearly three-quarters of American OTR drivers are older than 40.

Risk Factors for Truck Drivers
The long-haul trucking life contributes to factors that are closely identified with CRC. Among them, the sedentary days behind the wheel and limited access to healthy food options are identified risk factors. And they lead to obesity, which also raises the odds of developing CRC. A diet high in red and processed meats, irregular schedules and sleep patterns and higher-than-normal exposure to air pollution from traffic and motor vehicle exhaust are also contributors.

Recommendations for Minimizing CRC Risk
Regular screenings starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals are vital. Early detection typically leads to improved treatment outcomes. (The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund offers at-home screening kits for OTR truckers for $50). Other behavioral changes that can reduce the risk of CRC include focusing on balanced nutrition and regular physical activity; limiting tobacco and alcohol use, both are known risk factors and drinking water instead of sugary energy drinks.

It's also critical for people at risk to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and other health issues, get regular check-ups and use prescribed medications as directed. And always watch for symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue. The presence of colon polyps, which can be detected via colonoscopy screening, may also be an early-warning indicator.

Colorectal cancer is often preventable with proper screening and lifestyle modifications. For truck drivers and all individuals, taking proactive steps towards health can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of this serious disease.

Realm Health Insurance Agency group tailors group coverage plans that can include cancer screening, diagnostics, surgical benefits and critical illness benefits. For more information, call 844.802.3842, email info@realmhealth.com or request a no-obligation quote here.