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Talk About It. Check For It. Beat It: Colorectal Cancer

  • A.Rose NFP
  • Mar 26
  • 4 min read

Written by Curtizia Alexander, MPH, CPH


Photo Credit: American Oncology Network
Photo Credit: American Oncology Network

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and A. Rose Nonprofit would like to highlight the importance of getting your colorectal cancer screenings and how to stay healthy.

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, is the 2nd most leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States (U.S.) But here is the good news: it can often be stopped early! When found early, many people live long, healthy lives.


Colorectal cancer is also highly preventable, with a 91% survival rate when caught early. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting screened regularly, starting at the age of 45, is key to preventing colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society, one of the largest private nonprofit funders of cancer research in the U.S., published the 2026 Colorectal Cancer Statistics report on March 2, 2026. According to the statistics report colorectal cancer rates in the U.S. are moving in two directions. Colorectal cancer rates, specifically distal colon and rectum, are going down in people 65 plus years of age and colorectal cancer rates diagnosis are going up for people younger than 65 years of age. People between the ages of 45 and 75 should be screened regularly.


If you are 45 years or older, and have not received colorectal screening, you should talk with your doctor about your colorectal cancer screening options. One of the most common concerns from individuals who have not received a colorectal cancer screening yet, is “What should I expect”? If you are experiencing concerns or mixed emotions about the screening, we want you to know that it is completely normal, as many of your friends and family have felt the same. Anyone thinking about colorectal cancer screening often feels a mix of practical concerns and very human emotions.


Some common concerns are: 

Embarrassment

  • Worry about the “awkwardness” of the procedure or talking about bowel health 

  • Feeling exposed or uncomfortable with the idea of the exam 


Anxiety or Fear

  • Fear of what the results might show 

  • General medical anxiety (“What if something is wrong?”) 

  • Worry about the procedure itself 

Uncertainty

  • Not knowing what to expect during screening 

  • Confusion about when or how to get tested 

  • Questions about preparation, pain, or recovery 

Avoidance

  • Putting it off because it feels unpleasant or inconvenient 


  • Telling yourself “I feel fine, so I probably don’t need it” 

Relief (once you take action)

  • Feeling reassured after getting screened—especially if results are normal 

  • A sense of control over their health 

Empowerment

  • Feeling proactive and responsible for taking preventive steps 

  • Pride in overcoming discomfort or fear 


Concern for Loved Ones

  • Wanting to stay healthy for family 

  • Sometimes encouraged by a partner, friend, or doctor to go 



Colorectal Warning Signs

Colorectal cancer warning signs matter because they’re often the body’s early way of signaling that something isn’t right—and catching that early can make a life-changing difference. Many cases of Colorectal Cancer are highly treatable when found early. Warning signs can prompt someone to seek care sooner, before the cancer has a chance to spread. A lot of people assume screening isn’t necessary unless they feel sick, but noticing warning signs can shift that thinking and motivate someone to get checked. Here are the common warning signs and risk factors for colorectal cancer you should be aware of:


Colorectal cancer warning signs

  • Bowel changes (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stool) that last for more than a few days

  • Urge/pressure to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so

  • Blood in the stool, dark stools or rectal bleeding

  • Abdominal pain or cramping

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Unintentional weight loss


These symptoms may indicate health problems besides colorectal cancer that may also require treatment from your physician.


Colorectal cancer risk factors

  • Age 45 or over

  • Personal history of adenomatous polyps in the colon or previous colorectal cancer diagnosis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Family history of colorectal cancer

  • Inherited syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, that are linked to colorectal cancer

  • African American or Jewish with Eastern European descent


Lifestyle risk factors (Several lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer, including: 

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Diet high in red or processed meats

  • Physical inactivity

  • Obesity

  • Smoking

  • Heavy alcohol use


Take a look at Oteria's Colorectal Cancer Screening Story (Chicago, IL) from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. In 2022, just days after being told at her annual physical that she was in excellent health, Oteria underwent a routine colorectal screening colonoscopy. When she woke up, she was surprised to find her doctor at her bedside with unexpected news—she had colon cancer.



If you have not had your colorectal cancer screening, we encourage you to contact your health care provider today because early detection changes everything.


As we come to a close for this month’s blog, we would like to share a few health education resources about colorectal cancer screening you should have in your back pocket. These resources are from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). The ACG was founded in 1932 and includes over 14,000 doctors and scientists who study and treat stomach and digestive problems. The goal of ACG is to improve digestive health by educating gastroenterologists, advocating patient care, and facilitating research. The patient education tools below are based on evidence-based recommendations from the 2021 ACG Clinical Guidelines on Colorectal Cancer Screening and 2026 data from the American Cancer Society. 



Patient Education Info Graphic & Card: Colorectal Cancer: You Can Prevent It (ACG) -



Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test: Learn more about the blood test to detect colorectal cancer


Colon Cancer: Catch It Early and Reduce Your Risk (American Cancer Society) -



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