Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters

Sue Kangas, PABy Sue Kangas, PA

 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; it is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting many Americans today.  Colorectal Cancer has become an urgent public health concern as data shows there’s been a significant rise in cases among younger adults.   The American Cancer Society now estimates that 158,850 new cases and 55,230 deaths are expected for 2026.

Colorectal cancer was traditionally considered affecting older adults, but it’s increasingly impacting our younger populations.  The American College of Gastroenterology reports that it is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in Americans under the age of 50.  More then half of new diagnoses occur in adults younger than age 65 and early onset cases are found in people under 50.  Colorectal Cancer continues to climb across all racial and ethnic groups.

Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with timely and routine screening.  Screening detects precancerous polyps that are removed that are responsible for colon cancer.  Not all polyps are precancerous, but screening is the only method available for detection.  The Centers for Disease Control emphasize that all adults age 45 and older undergo regular screening, whether a person has symptoms or a family history of colon cancer.  The CDC reports that one in three Americans remain behind on screening.

Not only age, family history, genetic diseases, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis increase risk.  Lifestyle factors increase risk.  A diet high in red or processed meats, and low high fiber foods from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds increase risk.  Being overweight or obese raises risk by 30% more than normal weight individuals.  Lack of regular exercise, smoking, alcohol and being a type 2 diabetic increased risk.

If you’re due for screening, reach out to your primary care provider and get scheduled. Even though colonoscopies are the ideal way to be screened there are other options such as at home testing kits.  Don’t delay, screening may save your life.