March is here and that means more than the beginning of Spring – it’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This time of year is dedicated to spreading awareness about one of the most deadly, but preventable, cancers that inflict people of all ages. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has become more relevant than ever in recent years – colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for people under 50.
This startling statistic has prompted health experts to to encourage early screening, boost awareness around symptoms, and destigmatize the discussion around digestive and rectal health. Understanding the movement and recognizing the warning signs can save your life and your loved ones.
The Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults
For decades, colorectal cancer – cancer that starts in the colon or rectum – has primarily only affected people over 50. Just in the past few years, that has changed with the steady rise of colorectal cancer in young adults.
Fast forward to today, colorectal cancer is now #1 in cancer-related deaths in people under 50 in the United States.
Medical researchers are still trying to understand why this trend is occurring. Possible contributors factors being offered include:
- Diets low in fiber and high in processed foods
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyles
- Poor gut microbiome
Regardless of the exact cause, symptoms can be easily ignored and not taken seriously at a younger age. This leads to delayed diagnosis, which means elevated, invasive cancer stages that make treatment more difficult.
What should young people take away from Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? If symptoms present themselves, especially with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you need to be seen as soon as possible – a colonoscopy could be the difference between life and death.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms To Look Out For
One of the most important goals of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is to educate the public on how to identify the warning signs of the disease. While some people don’t show obvious symptoms early on, there are several key signs to be on the lookout for:
- Changes in bowel habits that last longer than a few days
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Dark or tar-like stools
- Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort
- Thin or stringy stool
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
While occasional digestive changes are normal, the key is to listen to your body and advocate for your medical needs. You should book an appointment with your doctor if the changes are unexplainable and last for several weeks. Many symptoms can align with other conditions – even if your doctor doesn’t recommend a colonoscopy, pushing for one if you truly feel the need could save your life.
Understanding The Life-Saving Power of Colonoscopies
While there are many ways to possibly detect colorectal cancer, the most effective screening method is a colonoscopy. Many patients feel nervous about the procedure, but it remains the most reliable and thorough screening to diagnose colorectal cancer, identify polyps early, and prevent advanced cancer stages entirely.
During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a flexible tube with a small camera to examine the inside of a colon and rectum to identify abnormal growths, polyps, and the possible source of symptoms like bleeding. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure before they have the chance to develop into cancer. The process usually takes less than an hour while the patient is sedated and comfortable.
Preparation for the colonoscopy starts 24 hours beforehand, by cleansing the colon entirely with prescribed solution and abstaining from solid foods. This is required so the doctor is able to clearly view the intestinal lining. While this preparation process can feel inconvenient, the benefits greatly outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Lifestyle Choices To Reduce Risks
While screening is essential, there are healthy lifestyle choices to consider that can influence your risk of colorectal cancers and polyps. Some preventative tips include:
- Eating a fiber-rich diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting processed foods and red meats
- Avoid being sedentary for too long and stay physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco use
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Follow recommended screening guidelines
These habits support overall health and contribute to reducing all types of cancer risk.
Taking Action This March
Take the time this month to prioritize your health and remember that early detection is the most powerful tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. When caught early, survival rates are high – don’t wait to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms, have a family history, or if you are over 45 years old.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a reminder – it’s a call to action for your health. Whether you schedule your first screening, spread awareness and encourage your loved ones to talk to their doctor, or simply educate yourself about symptoms and lifestyle habits, every small step can save lives.
Need to speak with a trusted rectal health specialist? Contact Thousand Oaks Proctology today to schedule your appointment.