Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection, Rising Concerns & Lessons Learned

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this prevalent yet preventable disease. Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, trailing only lung cancer. In 2023, approximately 153,020 people received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer, with approximately ⅓ losing their lives to this disease. Despite these alarming numbers, there’s hope: education, awareness, and early detection can significantly impact outcomes.

The key is early detection as colorectal cancer is unique because many cases are preventable. Regular screening by colonoscopy or other methods including sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool tests allow for the early indication or identification of possible cancer presence. By catching these abnormalities early, we can prevent the development of cancer altogether.

Moreover, colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. The five-year relative survival rate for localized colorectal cancer is over 90%.. However, this rate drops significantly as the cancer spreads beyond the colon or rectum.

The independent United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for all Americans starting at age 45. These screenings, including colonoscopies, play a crucial role in preventing the disease before it starts.

Traditionally, colorectal cancer was associated with older adults. However, recent trends reveal a concerning rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, defined as a diagnosis before age 50. This category now accounts for approximately 12% of all colon or rectal cancer cases.

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased by about 2% per year in recent times. Even more alarming, doctors are diagnosing metastatic cancer in individuals in their twenties and thirties. These young patients face unique challenges as they navigate cancer in the prime of life.

We can learn from Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns and strategies.  Breast cancer awareness campaigns have demonstrably decreased incidence and mortality rates.  Over the last nearly 50 years breast cancer mortality had decreased by nearly 60%.  This is largely due to treatment of early stage cancers.  Public awareness campaigns have empowered women to seek mammograms and perform self-exams.  Lessons from these efforts can guide our fight against colorectal cancer.  We need a similar push for colorectal cancer.  By emphasizing regular screenings and recognizing symptoms, we can achieve similar results for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer, and screenings are a routine. Early detection is far better than neglecting the issue. Certain factors like family history or inflammatory bowel disease increase your risk. Discuss with your doctor about your risks and when to start screenings.  Also speak to your loved ones about the importance of screenings and the risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Together, we can make a difference. Let's turn the tide on colorectal cancer and fight for a future with fewer cases and more survivors.

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