March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about one of the most preventable, yet deadly, cancers affecting Americans today. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
The good news? When detected early through screening, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, and many cases can be prevented entirely.
The Power of Screening Saves Lives
Screening for colorectal cancer is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against this disease. Regular screening can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by detecting cancer at an early, curable stage and by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
Who Should Be Screened?
Current guidelines recommend that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. The decision to screen adults ages 76 to 85 should be individualized based on overall health, prior screening history, and patient preferences. However, if you have certain risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier:
- One or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest relative's diagnosis, whichever comes first
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
- Personal history of colorectal polyps
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
Multiple effective screening methods are available, and the best test is the one that gets done. Options include:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years—allows direct visualization and removal of polyps
- Stool-based tests — convenient, non-invasive options (FIT test annually or multi-target stool DNA test every 3years)
- CT colonography every 5 years—a less invasive imaging alternative
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Talk with your healthcare provider about which screening option is right for you.
Know Your Risk Factors
While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, certain factors increase your risk.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Age over 45
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Inherited genetic syndromes
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- A diet high in red and processed meats
- Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
- Low intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Understanding your personal risk can help you and your healthcare provider determine the best screening strategy for you.
Take Action: Prevention Strategies
You have the power to reduce your colorectal cancer risk through healthy lifestyle choices:
Stay Active: Regular physical activity has been associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.
Eat Well: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber while limiting red and processed meats.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is associated with increased colorectal cancer risk, particularly in men.
Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption both increase colorectal cancer risk.
Get Screened: This is the single most important step you can take. Screening saves lives.
Don't Ignore Warning Signs
While screening is essential for those without symptoms, it's equally important to pay attention to your body. See your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Iron deficiency anemia
These symptoms warrant evaluation regardless of your age or screening status.
A Message of Hope
Thanks to advances in screening and treatment, colorectal cancer deaths have been declining for several decades. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer exceeds 90%. By getting screened and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your risk.
This National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, make a commitment to your health. If you're due for screening, schedule your appointment today. If you have family members or friends who should be screened, encourage them to take action. Together, we can continue to reduce the burden of this preventable disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. It could save your life.
