There are certain illnesses that carry more stigmas than others, sometimes because of the body parts they impact. One of those is colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that starts in either the colon (aka the large intestine or the bowel) or the rectum. Every March, people in the health care community—including health care providers, patients, caregivers, survivors and advocates—rally to raise awareness around colorectal cancer, in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

This March, we’re inviting you to join in the festivities by educating yourself, and your loved ones, about colorectal cancer. It’s a disease that may be hard to talk about, but it’s important to do so. Because according to the Colon Cancer Coalition, colorectal cancer can be prevented if people get screened for it. In fact, when this kind of cancer is caught in its earliest stages, nearly 90 percent of people survive, according to the Colon Cancer Coalition.

Read on to learn more about colorectal cancer, including what tests you should talk to your doctor about, risk factors and prevention tips. Taking action could save a life!

1. What is colorectal cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells divide and spread uncontrollably in the body. With colorectal cancer, that growth usually starts on the inner lining of the colon or the rectum, in the form of polyps, which are small clumps. Some polyps may develop into cancer, but many are harmless. Whether or not a person with polyps will develop cancer may depend on the type of polyp, the size of the polyp when it’s detected and even the number of polyps found, according to American Cancer Society. That’s why regular screenings are important. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women. Fortunately, that rate has been declining for decades, thanks to an increase in awareness and screening and improved treatments.

2. How can I be screened for colorectal cancer?

Men and women ages 45 to 75 should talk with their health care provider about being screened for colorectal cancer. A number of different tests are available, including at-home tests you can use to check your poop; a colonoscopy, in which a doctor uses a long, thin tube—complete with video—to examine your rectum and colon, and can often remove polyps or cancer during the procedure; and even a CT colonoscopy, known as a virtual colonoscopy, which uses X-rays to produce images of your colon. 

3. Who’s most at risk for colorectal cancer?

If you have a family member who has had colorectal cancer, be sure and tell your health care provider about it. But in truth, most people diagnosed have no family history of it, according to American Cancer Society. At the same time, they do often share some common lifestyle choices, which increase their risk for developing colorectal cancer, including being overweight or obese, not being physically active, smoking, moderate to heavy drinking, eating a diet that includes a lot of red meat and processed meat. Health disparities also play a role: Black people face a 20 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and a 40 percent higher risk of dying from it, according to the American Cancer Society.

4. What steps can I take to prevent colorectal cancer?

By developing healthy habits, you’ll lower your risk not just for colorectal cancer, but for certain other cancers and chronic illnesses as well. Here are some tips shared by the American Cancer Society.

• Quit smoking.
• Add regular physical activity to your routine and work towards a healthy weight for your body type.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and eat less red meat and processed meat.
• Avoid or minimize the amount of alcohol you drink (that means one drink or less per day for women; two or less for men).
• And, importantly, talk to your doctor about any concerns and get screened for colorectal cancer.

It’s not easy to talk about certain aspects of our anatomy. But doing so could make an enormous difference when it comes to detecting things like colorectal cancer. Take a step towards ending the stigma and talk with your health care provider today.