March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Here's Why It’s Important

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of prevention,

early detection, and education about colon cancer. This month serves as a reminder for

individuals to take control of their health by getting screened, understanding risk factors, and

advocating for better cancer care and research.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, but

it's also one of the most preventable cancers with proper screening. The American Cancer

Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin regular screenings at age 45. Early

detection through screenings like colonoscopies can identify precancerous growths, called polyps,

and allow the immediate removal at the time of the colonoscopy, significantly reducing the

likelihood of developing full-blown colon cancer in the future.

Risk factors for colon cancer include age, family history, diet, and lifestyle choices. While some

factors are out of our control, such as genetics, there are others we can manage. A healthy diet,

regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can all lower the

risk.

Raising awareness during March also helps to combat the stigma that often surrounds colorectal

health. Many people hesitate to discuss symptoms like blood in the stool or changes in bowel

habits, which can delay diagnosis. Open discussions and increased awareness encourage people

to seek medical help without shame or fear.

Even if one is not proactive in screening when there

are no problems, early attention to the most problematic symptoms including rectal bleeding,

persistent change in bowel habits, and new onset of diarrhea or constipation that does not resolve

in a week or so, can be life saving, and should be discussed with your PCP or gastroenterologist.