National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month Understanding Your Cancer Risk While some cancers are genetically linked, most cancers are not primarily
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, and there are several things you should know in order to take preventive measures and proactive steps to keep you healthy now and into the future.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in your digestive system, notably the colon or rectum. While colorectal cancer may feel difficult to talk about with your provider, with open conversations and screenings, it’s also a highly treatable cancer when detected early.
A common misconception is that colorectal cancer is more prevalent in older populations, but recent data shows that’s not true. The American Cancer Society’s 2023-2025 Colorectal Facts & Figures report showed that 20% of cases were in people younger than 54 years old (which almost doubled in a 25-year period). Additionally, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer in people under 50 and the second deadliest overall. Following CDC guidelines, we recommend that an average risk patient, with no family history, starts colorectal screening at the age of 45.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is your bowel habits. A change doesn’t necessarily signal colorectal cancer, but it does prompt a need for an evaluation. For example, hemorrhoids or IBS may cause some of the symptoms below – which is why consultation and screenings are key.
Some other symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
There are a handful of screening options out there for colorectal cancer, but the gold standard is a traditional colonoscopy. For this procedure, a patient is sedated and a scope is inserted through the rectum into the colon to check for polyps and gather tissue samples as needed. Typically, this outpatient procedure lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes, and our patients tell us the preparation is typically the most challenging part.
Additionally, for patients that may not be ready for a full colonoscopy, simple stool tests can be ordered to check for blood or abnormalities within the stool.
Talking about cancer can be scary. Talking about cancer down there can be even scarier. The good news is that colorectal cancer can be treatable when caught early. If you’ve had symptoms that are concerning, talk to your provider about the right screening options for you.
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February is National Cancer Prevention Month Understanding Your Cancer Risk While some cancers are genetically linked, most cancers are not primarily
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