Yes, March is officially recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) in the United States. Colorectal cancer refers to the development of malignant cells in the tissues of the colon or the rectum, which together form the large intestine. The campaign is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about this highly preventable and treatable disease.
The Purpose of Colon Cancer Awareness Month
The observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month began in 2000 following a presidential proclamation to raise the profile of this disease. The core goals of the month are to reduce the mortality rate through education and to encourage dialogue about a topic many people find uncomfortable. Public health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, use this time to disseminate information about prevention and early detection. These efforts are aimed at reducing the stigma associated with screening procedures. The campaign helps to unify patients, survivors, and advocates across the country. A powerful symbol of this unity is the dark blue ribbon, which has become synonymous with colorectal cancer awareness. Wearing the blue ribbon or participating in “Dress in Blue Day” events helps spark conversations about the disease.
Recognizing Key Symptoms and Warning Signs
Awareness campaigns emphasize that recognizing specific physical indicators and discussing them with a healthcare professional can lead to earlier diagnosis. One of the most common signs is a persistent change in bowel habits, which may include new-onset diarrhea, constipation, or an alternating pattern that lasts for more than a few days. Tumors growing in the colon can partially obstruct the passageway, causing a noticeable change in the shape of the stool, such as it becoming thin or “ribbon-like.”
The presence of blood in the stool is another significant warning sign that should prompt immediate evaluation. This blood may be bright red, indicating bleeding closer to the rectum, or it may appear dark or tarry, signaling bleeding higher up in the colon. Other common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, chronic abdominal discomfort such as cramping or pain, and persistent fatigue caused by anemia from slow, internal bleeding. Because many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions, their persistence is the factor that warrants medical attention.
Understanding Screening Recommendations
Screening is the most emphasized action item promoted during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month because it can prevent cancer entirely by detecting and removing precancerous growths called polyps. For individuals at average risk, major medical organizations now recommend beginning regular screening at age 45. The various screening tests fall into two main categories: stool-based tests and visual exams. The choice of test is often a personal one based on patient preference and risk factors.
Stool-Based Tests
Stool-based tests are non-invasive and can be done at home, looking for signs of cancer in the waste material. The high-sensitivity Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) checks for hidden blood and must be performed annually. Another option is the multi-targeted stool DNA test, often known commercially as Cologuard, which looks for altered DNA as well as blood; this test is typically done every three years. If any stool-based test returns a positive result, it must be followed up with a colonoscopy.
Visual Exams
Visual exams directly inspect the colon and rectum for polyps or cancerous lesions. A colonoscopy is the gold standard of screening because it allows a physician to examine the entire colon and remove any polyps immediately during the procedure. If the result is normal, this comprehensive exam is typically repeated every ten years. Other visual options include CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years or flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower part of the colon and is usually repeated every five years.
Reducing Personal Risk
While screening is the most direct way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, individuals can also significantly reduce their personal risk by modifying certain lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy body weight and increasing physical activity levels are strongly associated with a lower incidence of the disease. Current recommendations suggest aiming for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking.
Diet
Dietary changes offer a powerful avenue for risk reduction, primarily by focusing on high-fiber foods. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps move waste through the colon more quickly, reducing the time potential carcinogens are in contact with the intestinal lining. Conversely, a convincing link exists between higher consumption of red and processed meats and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Experts advise limiting the consumption of cooked red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, to no more than 18 ounces per week and completely avoiding processed meats like bacon and hot dogs.
Substance Use
Limiting substance use provides further protection against the disease. Long-term tobacco use is a recognized risk factor for developing colorectal cancer. Similarly, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a higher risk, especially with heavy intake. Individuals who consume more than two drinks per day have been shown to have a higher risk, making moderation or abstinence a practical way to lower one’s overall susceptibility to the disease.