March is formally recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, an annual designation focused on educating the public about the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. Colorectal cancer begins as abnormal growths called polyps in the large intestine or rectum. The purpose of this awareness campaign is to highlight the rising incidence of this disease and provide actionable information on prevention and early detection. The majority of colorectal cancer cases are preventable through regular screening, making public awareness a powerful tool against this disease.
The Significance of Colon Cancer Awareness Month
This dedicated month exists because colorectal cancer remains a serious public health concern, with an estimated 154,270 individuals expected to be diagnosed and 52,900 to die from the disease in 2025 alone. While overall incidence rates have declined in older adults due to widespread screening, a concerning trend is the rise of cases in people under the age of 50. This increase in early-onset colorectal cancer has prompted changes in screening recommendations and amplified the need for public education across all adult age groups.
Early detection is paramount, as the five-year survival rate is significantly higher when the cancer is localized. The awareness month encourages discussion about a topic that is often considered taboo, helping to normalize screening procedures. By promoting dialogue, the campaign aims to ensure that individuals recognize their risk and understand the importance of proactive testing before symptoms even appear.
Key Warning Signs and When to Consult a Doctor
Colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they can often be mistaken for less serious digestive issues, but their persistence is a major red flag.
Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include a persistent change in bowel habits, such as new-onset constipation or diarrhea. The presence of blood in the stool, which can be bright red or a darker, tar-like color, is another serious sign. Persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and chronic fatigue or weakness resulting from anemia should also be evaluated. These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but if they last for more than a couple of days and are unexplained, they should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider regardless of age.
Understanding Recommended Screening Guidelines
Screening is the most effective way to both detect and prevent colorectal cancer, which is why it is the central message of the awareness month. For individuals at average risk, the standard recommendation is to begin regular screening at age 45, continuing through age 75. A physician may recommend earlier or more frequent screening if a patient has a personal or strong family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of inflammatory bowel disease.
There are two main categories of tests: stool-based tests and visual exams. Stool-based options, such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), look for hidden blood and are typically performed annually at home. A multi-targeted stool DNA test, which checks for blood and abnormal DNA markers, is another at-home option generally recommended every three years. If any stool-based test yields a positive result, a follow-up colonoscopy is required.
The colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering a visual examination of the colon and rectum. During this procedure, the physician can identify and immediately remove precancerous polyps, thereby preventing the development of cancer. If the colonoscopy is clear, it is usually repeated every ten years, providing a long interval between procedures. While it requires bowel preparation and sedation, the colonoscopy offers the highest sensitivity for detecting both early cancer and precancerous growths.
Lifestyle Steps for Risk Reduction
Beyond timely screening, several controllable lifestyle factors can significantly mitigate the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Dietary choices play a major part in prevention, particularly emphasizing a high intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increased fiber helps to accelerate the movement of waste through the colon, reducing the time that potential carcinogens are in contact with the intestinal lining.
Limiting the consumption of red and processed meats is another preventative step, as high intake of these foods has been consistently linked to an elevated risk. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important because obesity is a recognized risk factor that can promote hormonal and inflammatory changes conducive to tumor growth. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, is associated with a lower risk. Furthermore, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also contribute to a reduced risk profile.