In recent years, colorectal cancer has been getting attention for all the wrong reasons: it’s killing more young people than ever before. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2026 said that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for people younger than 50 in the United States. Among all ages, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death.

Now, more than ever, it’s critical to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. And there’s no better time to do it than March,  which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. As healthcare providers work to better understand why colorectal cancer has been on the rise in younger people, you can do your part by taking steps that might lower your risk. Here’s how.

1. Get screened.  For many people, colon cancer may be preventable. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should talk to their doctor about when to be screened. And for all people facing an average risk, screening starting at age 45 can help detect changes or abnormalities in the colon. There are a number of screening options available, including a colonoscopy (which is the most sensitive test) and different stool tests that you can complete at home. It’s important to talk to our healthcare provider about which test is right for you.
2. Manage your weight. Excess body weight may increase a person’s risk for several types of cancer, including colon and rectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. While researchers don’t fully understand the link between weight and cancer, they do point to a number of possible explanations, including the relationship between excess weight and inflammation, cell and blood vessel growth, the ability for cells to live longer than they normally would, and the impact on certain hormones (including insulin and estrogen), which may fuel cell growth. If you’re interested in losing weight and you’re having a difficult time, talk to your health care provider. They may be able to give you guidance.
3. Move your body. Working out has proven time and again to be good for your health. Research shows that physical activity may even prevent an estimated 15% of colon cancers. And for those who have already been treated for colorectal cancer, a regular exercise routine has been shown to lower the risk for recurrence. That’s just one more reason to dust off your running shoes and hit the trails or tune up your bike and start pedaling. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say that adults should aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activity two days each week; however, if you’re unable to commit to that much activity, the guidelines also state that “any amount of physical activity has some health benefits.”
4. Make healthy food choices. The American Cancer Society says that a person’s diet may play a role in their risk for colorectal cancer, but researchers aren’t certain which factors are important. In general, it may be helpful to eat a diet that’s high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and low in red meats and processed meats. It’s also unclear, says the American Cancer Society, whether or how much fiber a person consumes impacts their risk for this kind of cancer.
5. Don’t use tobacco. Smoking tobacco may raise your risk for colon cancer and a number of other types of cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Quitting isn’t easy, but help is available. Alabama offers a free telephone and online coaching service for any resident who wants to quit tobacco. Call 1-800 Quit Now or visit https://quitnow.net/alabama.
6. Limit your alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol may raise a person’s risk for a number of different cancers, including colorectal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, someone who is a moderate to heavy drinker may be 1.2 to 1.5 times as likely to develop this kind of cancer compared with someone who doesn’t drink alcohol. Those who stop drinking, adds the National Cancer Institute, may lower their risk for certain cancers, although it could take time.
7. Talk to your doctor about your family history. If you have a first-degree family member (meaning a parent, sibling or child) who has had colorectal cancer, you may have a higher risk yourself. According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, close to one-quarter of people with this kind of cancer have a close relative who has also had it. In addition, certain genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and MUTYH-associated polyposis may increase a person’s risk. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about aspects of your personal history that may make you more vulnerable, including certain types of colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and other cancers.

While these are all steps you can take that may help lower your risk for colon cancer, there are also aspects beyond your control that may elevate your risk. According to the American Cancer Society, those include your age (it’s more common after age 50), your sex at birth (men are more likely to die from colon cancer than women), your racial and ethnic background (higher rates are seen in American Indian and Alaska Native people, African American men and women and Jewish people of Eastern European descent), among other factors.

While the prospect of colorectal cancer is scary, it’s essential to know that you can be your own best advocate. By educating yourself, seeing your healthcare provider regularly, getting screened and speaking up if you experience any signs or symptoms, you’re taking strides to honor and prioritize your health, inside and out.