There are a fair number of body parts that many people don’t want to talk about in polite company. But it’s important that we do, because as embarrassing as these body parts may be—we’re looking at you, bowel and rectum—they are at risk for a category of cancer known as colorectal cancer. The stigma around this anatomy could actually delay screenings and treatment and increase the cancer risk.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a good time to learn about this kind of cancer, who it affects and how you can prevent it, or at least lower your risk. Make it a goal this month to talk about colorectal cancer—and how to prevent it—with friends and family, and make strides to remove the stigma.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancerous cells that grow in either the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine and are important parts of the gastrointestinal system. The colon helps transform food into waste, and the rectum stores that waste (stool, aka poop) until it exits the body via the anus. According to the American Cancer Society, most colorectal cancers start as growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum and then grow into the walls of the body. Screening tests are available that can detect polyps early so that a doctor can remove them, thereby lowering a person’s risk of cancer (more on that below).

Who gets colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impacting men and women, alike. One of the key risk factors for this kind of cancer is age. According to Yale Medicine, colorectal cancer is most common in people older than 55.

However, in recent years, healthcare providers have been seeing more incidences of colon cancer in younger people, known as “early-onset colorectal cancer,” and it’s often detected at more advanced stages. So it’s important for all age groups to be aware of symptoms, stay on top of preventive screenings and talk to their doctor about any concerns.

In addition to age, the Mayo Clinic says that the following groups may face a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer:

  • African American people
  • People with inflammatory diseases of the intestine
  • People with a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Certain gene mutations or inherited conditions that could increase your risk (familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, for example)
  • People who eat a diet low in fiber and high in fat
  • People with a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and/or obesity
  • People who smoke and or consume excessive alcohol
  • People who have been treated with radiation therapy aimed at the abdomen

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

A person may have polyps—pre-cancerous or benign—and even cancer, itself, and not experience any symptoms. And if you are experiencing symptoms, they could be caused by a number of factors, including but certainly not limited to cancer. For those who do experience symptoms, the CDC lists the following as potential signs of colorectal cancer: 

  • If you notice a change in your bowel habits
  • If you find blood in or on your poop
  • If you’re experiencing diarrhea or constipation, or you feel as though you’re not getting rid of everything when you poop
  • If you’re experiencing ongoing abdominal pains, aches or cramps
  • If you lose weight without knowing why

What lifestyle steps can I take to prevent colorectal cancer?

By taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle, you could decrease your risk for this kind of cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests people take the following steps:

  • Eat healthy. Enrich your diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting the amount of red meat and processed meats you consume. Your body may thank you for it!
  • Move more. If you don’t have a regular exercise routine, it’s never too late to start! Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Watch your weight. By moving more and eating better, you’ll be taking positive steps toward controlling your weight. Being overweight or obese can also increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
  • Quit smoking (or don’t start). People who smoke are not only more likely to develop colorectal cancer, but they’re also more likely to die from it. If you need help quitting, the American Lung Association can help. Call the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine and Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872 and press 2).
  • Avoid or moderate alcohol. People who drink alcohol may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer. While abstaining from alcohol is the healthiest choice, you may also lower your risk by limiting your consumption: two drinks or less a day for men and one or less for women.

What should I know about screening for colorectal cancer?

The best way to learn if you have colorectal cancer, or if you have polyps that could become cancer, is to get screened. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular screening starting at age 45 through age 76, or earlier for those who may have elevated risks. When you’re ready to be screened, talk to your doctor about which screening is right for you, because there are several types. According to the CDC, those include:

  • Stool tests. Several different tests look for blood or altered DNA in the poop. The tests are conducted at home and then returned to a doctor or lab for results.
  • Internal tests. During a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy, a healthcare provider uses a lighted tube to look into your rectum and colon. A sigmoidoscopy looks at the lower third of the colon, checking for polyps or cancer, while a colonoscopy allows a healthcare provider to view the entire colon.
  • Virtual colonoscopy. The computed tomography, which is also referred to as a virtual colonoscopy, produces images of the entire colon through the use of x-rays and computers.

In recent years, more and more nonprofits and healthcare systems—including UAB  Medicine in Birmingham—have been taking steps to destigmatize colorectal cancer and improve screening rates. (There’s even an annual fundraising race, called the Rumpshaker, at Regions Field March 25 in Birmingham aimed at raising awareness).

It’s also up to all of us to have the courage to talk to our healthcare providers about our concerns— embarrassing or not — so that they can help us make informed choices and lead healthy lives. So be bold, and talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should schedule a screening for colorectal cancer today.