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March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer prevention

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Are you up to date on this life-saving screening?

Screening can actually prevent colon cancer before it starts and is now recommended for everyone at average risk beginning at age 45. Screening tests, such as colonoscopies, allow doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) before they have a chance to develop into cancer. It’s also the best way to catch colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.

At-home stool tests can be appropriate for some average-risk patients, but they don’t replace colonoscopy — especially if you have symptoms, risk factors or an abnormal result. 

Anatomical diagram of the colorectal system

Colorectal cancer in young adults

Screening guidelines were recently lowered from age 50 to 45* because colon cancer is rising in younger adults — even people in their 30s and 40s. While there's no definitive reason for this alarming trend, there are suspicions that obesity, alcohol consumption, diet and exposure to environmental factors like microplastics and "forever chemicals" could be contributing factors.

Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you are at increased risk, which can be influenced by factors like your personal or family history of cancer or colon polyps.

*High-risk individuals should start by age 40, or 10 years earlier than when your relative was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  

Family with teenage children eating meal around kitchen table laughing

Family history

Most young people don’t have cancer on their radar, even if it’s in their family tree. Some cancers are connected to genes that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

When cancer is diagnosed in someone age 50 or under, it’s more likely to have an inherited cause. A genetic counselor can help assess your risk, discuss whether genetic testing is appropriate and explain test results. If genetic testing is positive for colon cancer, prevention and early detection care can be personalized for you.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer: don’t brush these off

Colorectal cancer is often not found until it is advanced and shows symptoms. If you’re under 40, you’re probably not thinking about getting screened unless you know you have a family history of cancer.

The symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle and easy to overlook, which is why knowing what to watch for is so important. Pay attention to signs like:

  • Bright red blood in the stool (sometimes mistaken for hemorrhoids)
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Changes in bowel habits (going more or less often)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anemia or feeling tired all the time
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty emptying your bowels

These symptoms may be caused by colorectal cancer but could also be symptoms of other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease). Regardless, don't dismiss them. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice one or more of these symptoms.

Cancer patient preparing a healthy snack

Eating healthy

Younger patients are often overwhelmed with a cancer diagnosis in the midst of lives that are already filled with career, family and activities. Food can be a great comfort — or a source of anxiety. Eating healthy can be difficult for any cancer patient, especially younger patients navigating the challenges of finding and preparing food that tastes good.

Nutritional counseling can be a great help to cancer patients as well as loved ones who may be shopping for or preparing meals for patients. 

Colorectal cancer screening: create your screening plan

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and screening saves lives. If you’re age 45 or older — or have symptoms or a family history — talk with your doctor about getting screened. Together, you can create a personalized plan for screenings that will help you stay proactive about your health. 

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