Colorectal Cancer Awareness is a conversation that matters every single day because it has the power to save lives. It is one of the most common cancers, yet by proactively taking the right steps, we can help prevent or allow for early diagnosis. With colorectal cancer, many people feel completely fine until the disease has already progressed, which is why awareness, screening, and knowing what to look for are so important. This is a reminder worth holding onto.
I want to share with you that I had a colonoscopy done before the age of 45, and I am truly glad that I did. It gave me clarity, peace of mind, and reassurance that I was not missing anything important. Not only can taking early steps help alleviate the unknown; it is also a way to be proactive and care for your health in a meaningful way. Taking a few minutes to learn the signs, understand your risk, and schedule a colorectal cancer screening when appropriate could make all the difference for you or someone you love.
What is Colorectal Cancer and Why Should We Care
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It often begins as small growths called polyps that can slowly turn into cancer over time.
Here is the part that is both scary and hopeful.
It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths and is increasingly a cause of cancer in younger adults. The American Cancer Society estimated that there will be 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer in the US in 2026 and that the rates of individuals under 50 years old being diagnosed has increase 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022. One of the hardest things about colorectal cancer is that it can be silent in the beginning. Many people feel completely fine. That is why we cannot rely on symptoms alone.
Screening can help provide peace of mind by trying to help detect cancer in its early stages. It can also help prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
That is why this matters so much.
Signs and Symptoms That You Should Never Ignore
If you notice any of these, it does not automatically mean cancer, but it does mean you should be evaluated:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhea or constipation that does not go away
- Feeling like your bowel does not empty completely
- Blood in or on your stool
- Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
Maintain a symptom log to track how long these symptoms last and whether they are worsening over time. Even subtle changes can be important, especially if they continue for more than a few days or weeks. Other conditions can cause these symptoms, but the only way to know is to talk with a healthcare provider.
What Can be Done to Prevent or Catch it Early
This is where the hopeful part comes in.
Screening Saves Lives
Most people should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, even if they feel completely healthy. This is important because early stages of colorectal cancer often do not cause noticeable symptoms.
There are several screening options available, and your provider can help you decide which one is best for you:
- Colonoscopy, which allows doctors to view the entire colon and remove polyps during the same procedure. Considered the gold standard for colorectal screening.
- Stool-based tests that can be done at home to check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA
- Imaging tests that look at the structure of the colon
These screenings are powerful tools. They can detect colorectal cancer early when it is most treatable. In some cases, they can prevent cancer altogether by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they become a problem.
From a practical standpoint, it is also helpful to understand how this is documented and may be billed medically. For individuals aged 45 and older, routine screening is considered preventive and is typically covered by insurance.
If you are under age 45 but are experiencing or concerned about symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pain, a visit may not be considered routine screening. Instead, it could be a diagnostic evaluation. This distinction can affect how insurance covers the procedure, which is why it is worth discussing with your provider and insurance company ahead of time.
Taking this step may feel easy to put off, but it is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.
Know Your Personal Risk and Pay Attention to Your Body
Understanding your personal risk for colorectal cancer is an important step you can take toward early detection and prevention. While routine preventative screening typically begins at age 45, you may need to start earlier based on your health history and risk factors. You may need earlier screening if you have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A history of polyps
- Certain conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease
You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, do not ignore it. It is also important to be your own advocate. If you feel like your concerns are being dismissed or not fully addressed, it is okay to speak up and ask more questions. Seeking a second opinion from another doctor can provide clarity and peace of mind. Being proactive about your health is not overreacting. It is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and catch potential problems early when they are most treatable.
Which doctors should you reach out to
Starting with your primary care provider is often the easiest first step. From there, they will help connect you to the right specialist. In my experience, if you have access to a colorectal surgeon in your area, their specialized expertise can be incredibly valuable. They are uniquely trained in the conditions of the colon and rectum and can provide both advanced evaluation and surgical care, if needed, all within the same specialty.
If you are thinking about screening or have symptoms, here is who can support you to start:
- Primary Care Provider
This is your first stop. They can review your personal and family history, assess your risk factors, and help you decide when to begin screening. They can also evaluate early symptoms, order initial testing, and make the appropriate referrals so you are not navigating this alone. - Colorectal Surgeon
A specialist trained in both surgical and non-surgical management of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. In addition to performing colonoscopies, they are often involved if you need advanced-level care for issues related to your colon, rectum, or anus, including polyps that need advanced removal, if there are structural concerns, or if cancer or other serious conditions are found. - Gastroenterologist
A specialist in digestive health who cares for the entire gastrointestinal system, not just the colon and rectum. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. They perform colonoscopies, evaluate symptoms, diagnose a wide range of digestive conditions, and can remove polyps during procedures before they can become cancerous. - Oncologist
If something concerning is found, this is the cancer specialist who helps guide treatment. They work closely with other specialists to create a care plan that may include monitoring, medication, or additional therapies depending on the diagnosis.
A Gentle but Important Reminder
If there is one thing I would want you to take from this, it is this:
You do not need to wait for symptoms to take this seriously.
Colorectal cancer often develops quietly, but screening gives us a chance to stay ahead of it.
Pay attention to your body. Have the conversation with your doctor. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.
If you have been putting it off, consider this your reminder that screening can save lives through early detection. Make the call. Ask the question. Take that step.