March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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March is colorectal awareness month. Now more than ever, awareness is key to slowing this disease. Colorectal cancer climbed to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The rate of colorectal cancer has been steadily on the rise since the 1990s. To raise the attention of colorectal cancer, President Clinton declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2000. This trend is not unique to the United States. Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and some parts of Europe and Asia have also been experiencing this trend. In 2020, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) brought 400 leading scientists together to begin a dialogue about the possible causes of this trend. Scientists have not determined a specific cause for the increase in young adults. They do stress the importance of spreading awareness.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. The colon has three primary functions: absorbing water, producing and absorbing vitamins, and moving feces toward the rectum. The rectum stores stool until the body has a bowel movement. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, most colorectal cancers start as polyps. A colon polyp is a small group of cells forming on the colon's lining. Polyps are common and usually harmless. However, over time some polyps may become cancerous.

What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

One of the most dangerous traits of colorectal cancer is that it may not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Unexplained weight loss

If a person is not trying to lose weight and experiences a noticeable drop in weight, it should always be followed up with their doctor or primary care. Unintentional weight loss of more than 5 percent of your weight over 6-12 months warrants a visit to your healthcare provider.

Weakness and/or fatigue

Most people can tell when their fatigue is unusual. If your fatigue feels like something more serious or lasts longer than a week or two, it may be time to see your healthcare provider.

Abdominal discomfort

Abdominal discomforts such as cramps, gas, or pain and feeling as though your bowel does not empty should be discussed with your doctor.

Change in bowel habits

A change in the consistency of stool, alternating between constipation and diarrhea or stools that become more narrow

Rectal bleeding

Bright red blood is sometimes noted. Blood in the stool can make the stool look darker, causing the stool to appear black or tarry

What are the risk factors?

Risk Factors include:

Age

90% of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in patients over the age of 50; although there has been an alarming increase in young adults ages 20-34

Conditions such as

Irritable bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, increases the chances of colorectal cancer diagnosis

Lifestyle

Obesity, smoking, being inactive, and a diet high in red meat, fried foods

Family History

2 or more first-degree relatives or 1 first-degree relative before the age of 60

Race

Incidence is highest among African Americans

Eating a diet high in fiber, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer. Early detection and treatment can increase the survival rate. Regular screening at age 45 is key to finding it early. The gold standard is a colonoscopy. It only needs to be done every ten years for ages 45-75. Your doctor may recommend early screening if you have risk factors and a family history of colorectal cancer.

What's the Good News?

The death rate for colorectal cancer has been dropping over the last 30 years. Screening and improved treatments have helped lower the death rate. Let's continue to raise awareness for this preventable and treatable disease!

References/Resources

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)