March is officially recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This annual designation highlights colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and the rectum. The disease is highly preventable and treatable, especially when detected in its earliest stages before symptoms manifest. Colorectal cancer typically develops from precancerous growths called polyps, which take many years to become malignant.
The Significance of March Awareness
Focusing public attention on colorectal cancer during March is a deliberate effort to improve public health outcomes. The primary goal is to increase the rate of screening, which significantly reduces both the incidence and mortality rates of this cancer. Awareness campaigns drive conversations between patients and healthcare providers, overcoming barriers like fear and misinformation.
The difference in survival rates underscores the importance of early detection. When colorectal cancer is detected at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is approximately 91%. This rate drops drastically to about 13% once the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Screening is one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, offering both prevention and early detection. A major public health objective is to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. The national focus in March aims to reach individuals who are asymptomatic but are due for screening.
Key Screening Recommendations
For individuals at average risk, major medical organizations now recommend that screening begin at age 45, based on the rising incidence of the disease in younger populations. Screening is intended for people who have no symptoms; those experiencing signs of the disease should seek immediate diagnostic testing. Screening tests fall into two primary categories: visual exams and stool-based tests.
The gold standard among visual exams is the colonoscopy, which allows a physician to examine the entire colon and rectum. This test is performed under sedation and requires a thorough bowel preparation the day before. It offers the unique benefit of being a one-step procedure, allowing polyps found during the procedure to be immediately removed. If results are normal, the test is typically repeated only once every 10 years.
Stool-based tests are non-invasive and can be performed at home. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in the stool and is usually recommended annually. A multi-target stool DNA test combines the blood check with a search for abnormal genetic markers and is typically performed once every three years. Any positive stool test result requires a follow-up diagnostic colonoscopy to investigate the abnormality.
Another visual option is the flexible sigmoidoscopy. This procedure involves less extensive bowel preparation and usually does not require sedation. However, it only visualizes the lower third of the colon and is generally repeated every five years.
Recognizing Common Symptoms
Recognizing specific bodily changes is important, as symptoms should prompt an individual to seek medical advice regardless of age or screening history. A persistent change in bowel habits, such as new-onset constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a few days, is a common sign. The feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, known as tenesmus, can also be a warning sign.
The appearance of blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark and tarry, must always be investigated by a physician. Other signs include persistent abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains or cramps, that does not resolve. Unexplained weakness or fatigue may occur due to iron-deficiency anemia caused by chronic blood loss.
Any unexplained weight loss without a change in diet or exercise should be a cause for concern. These symptoms are not exclusive to cancer and can be caused by various non-cancerous conditions. However, reporting them to a healthcare provider ensures a proper diagnosis is made.
Reducing Risk Factors
Managing modifiable risk factors offers a proactive way to reduce the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Dietary choices play a significant role; high consumption of red and processed meats, such as bacon and sausages, is linked to increased risk. Limiting red meat intake to no more than 12 to 18 ounces per week is a recommended preventative measure.
Adopting a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provides protective fiber. Maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in regular physical activity lowers risk, as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are known contributors. Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption are important lifestyle changes that mitigate risk.
Age remains the most common non-modifiable risk factor, with the majority of cases historically occurring in people over 50. A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, or having chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, also increases risk. Those with these factors should consult their physician about starting screenings earlier than age 45 and undergoing more frequent surveillance.