Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through routine screening. When detected early, it is highly treatable. Understanding the facts, knowing your personal risk and making prevention a priority can make all the difference.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that begin in the colon or rectum, which are both part of the large intestine.
By staying informed and proactive, you are not only protecting your own health but also setting an example that can help save lives within your family and community.
Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Matters
Despite advances in screening and treatment, colorectal cancer remains a major public health concern. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are combined.
While colorectal cancer has traditionally been considered a disease affecting older adults, rates have been rising among younger individuals since the 1990s. Increasingly, cases are being diagnosed in adults under age 50 — including people in their 20s and 30s — and many of these diagnoses occur at more advanced stages. The exact reasons for this rise are still being studied.
What we do know is that prevention matters for both older and younger adults.
Lifestyle Choices That May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk
Many colorectal cancer risk factors can be modified through healthy lifestyle choices, including:
- Eating a high-fiber diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains
- Limiting processed meats, red meats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods
- Staying physically active and breaking up long periods of sitting with movement
- Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking
Healthy habits cannot eliminate cancer risk entirely, but they can significantly reduce it.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk. These include:
- Being age 45 or older
- Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Having inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Having certain inherited conditions, including Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
Even if you feel healthy, screening is important because colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages.
Know the Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Because colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early, recognizing symptoms is important at any age.
Symptoms that should not be ignored include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your primary health care provider.
When Should You Start Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Screening tests such as colonoscopy and stool-based tests have made colorectal cancer prevention more accessible and effective than ever.
Current screening recommendations include:
- Adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45
- Individuals with a family history should begin screening at age 40, or 10 years before the age at which a family member was diagnosed — whichever comes first
Your primary care provider can help determine which screening option is best for you based on your personal risk factors.
Take Action During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
This March, take a proactive step for your health and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Talk with your primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening and when it’s right for you. If you don’t have a primary care provider, finding one and establishing care is your first step.
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the team at Green Bay Oncology is here to provide expert, compassionate care close to home.
