Know the Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and if you’ve noticed people wearing dark blue ribbons lately, there's an important reason why. Here's why it's so important to understand the early warning signs of colorectal cancer.

For decades, colorectal cancer (CRC) was considered a disease that only affected older generations. But the landscape of this disease has drastically changed. Today, the medical community is sounding the alarm: colorectal cancer is rising at an alarming rate in younger adults.

While that reality is scary, there's a silver lining: Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers—if it is caught early. Here is what you need to know this March to protect yourself and the people you love.

The Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

In its earliest, most treatable stages, colorectal cancer often presents with zero symptoms. However, if you experience any of the following, do not ignore them:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool).

• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.

• Ongoing abdominal discomfort, cramps, or gas pain.

• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.

• Unexplained weakness, fatigue, or weight loss.

The Good News: Prevention and Early Detection

Colorectal cancer usually begins as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can turn into cancer. The beauty of screening is that doctors can find and remove these polyps before they ever become cancerous.

The Magic Number is 45: Because of the rise in young-onset cases, the official recommended age to begin routine screening for average-risk adults has been lowered to 45. If you have a family history of CRC or certain genetic syndromes, your doctor may recommend starting even earlier.

Screening Isn't Just a Colonoscopy: While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard—because it can simultaneously detect and remove precancerous polyps—it isn't the only option. At-home, non-invasive stool DNA tests (like Cologuard) are highly effective and widely available. The best test is the one that gets done. Here's an article from Chicago's City of Hope Cancer Center about deciding between colonoscopy and Cologard.