March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Regular screening can prevent colon cancer.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness on one of the most common and preventable cancers in the United States. Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer when it includes cancers of both the colon and rectum, remains the second leading cause of cancer death despite major advances in detection and treatment. Every year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease. With regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices and awareness of risk factors, much of this burden can be prevented or caught early when treatment is most effective.
The Hidden Threat: Why Prevention Matters
Colon cancer often develops slowly. Most cases begin as small, benign growths called polyps that can take 10–15 years to become cancerous. Importantly, screening tests can detect and remove these precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer, a cornerstone of prevention.
Early detection matters because survival rates jump dramatically when colorectal cancer is found before symptoms start, often exceeding a 90 percent five-year survival rate. Yet many people skip screening: about one in three eligible adults aren’t up to date on recommended tests.
While colon cancer is more common in older adults, concerning trends show rising rates in younger people under age 50. Researchers do not fully understand why, but diet (including ultra processed foods), lifestyle and environmental exposures likely play roles.
Understanding Your Risk
Everyone with a colon is at risk, but some people are at higher risk than others.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age: risk increases substantially after age 45–50.
- Family history: relatives with colorectal cancer or polyps increase your risk.
- Inherited syndromes: such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
Lifestyle and Modifiable Risks Include:
- Obesity and low physical activity.
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
- Certain dietary patterns: high red and processed meats and low intake of fruits and vegetables.
The most powerful tool in preventing colon cancer is regular screening, a set of tests designed to find precancerous changes or cancer early. Lifestyle changes alone can’t eliminate risk, but they can influence it significantly, especially when paired with regular screening.
Who Should Get Screened and When:
- Average-risk adults should begin routine screening at age 45.
- Continue regular screening through age 75 if you’re in good health.
- Between 76 and 85, continue screening based on health status and prior results.
- After age 85, routine screening is generally not recommended.
If you have higher risk due to family history, inflammatory bowel disease or genetic syndromes, you may need to start earlier and screen more often, which is why it’s vital to talk with your healthcare provider about personalized recommendations.
Types of Screening Tests
Screening comes in several forms. The choice depends on preference, access and individual risk:
- Colonoscopy: A visual exam of the colon and rectum with a camera; allows for polyp removal during the procedure. You’re sedated for the procedure and most people wake up and can’t believe it’s over already. The prep is the more difficult part but with advancements in prep options, it’s more unpleasant (for a short period of time) than difficult.
- Stool-based tests: These include fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), guaiac tests, and multi-target stool DNA tests, options that can be done at home.
- CT colonography and sigmoidoscopy: Less invasive imaging or partial visual exams.
The most important thing is to be screened regularly and consistently.
Prevention Beyond Screening
While screening detects early changes, lifestyle choices can influence risk and promote overall gut health.
Healthy Living Tips
- Stay active. Regular physical activity is linked with lower risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with higher colorectal cancer risk.
- Eat a balanced diet, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains likely help lower risk, though evidence about specific foods varies.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, both are linked to higher risk.
There is evidence that certain medications, such as daily aspirin, might lower colorectal cancer risk among some individuals, but this must only be considered in consultation with a healthcare provider due to potential side effects.
Bridging Gaps in Prevention
Despite clear evidence that screening saves lives, disparities in access to screening and treatment remain. Black, Hispanic and underserved populations often have lower screening rates and higher mortality. Efforts by advocacy groups and health systems aim to expand equitable screening access and eliminate barriers rooted in socioeconomic and healthcare inequalities.
Colon cancer is a disease where prevention and early detection work. With regular screening starting at age 45 for most adults, coupled with healthy lifestyle practices and awareness of individual risk, many lives can be saved and many cancers prevented. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening, choose the right test for you, and make prevention a lifelong habit because when it comes to colon cancer, the best offense is a good defense.
Colon Cancer Awareness Sources and Resources