March is national colorectal cancer awareness month.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, according to a news release from Piedmont Augusta.
“More than half of all colorectal cancers can be linked to preventable risk factors like body weight, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and diet,” the release said.
The American Cancer Society recommends people start regular screenings at age 45 and continue through age 75. People at high-risk based on family history or other factors should start before age 45. Not all colorectal cancer cases can be prevented but there are ways to lower your risk.
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society website.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2025 are about out 107,320 new cases of colon cancer (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women) and about 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women).
“The rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer each year has dropped overall since the mid-1980s, mainly because more people are getting screened and changing their lifestyle risk factors,” the website said.
“Get screened regularly by having a colonoscopy or using an at-home test kit based on your primary care provider’s suggestion,” said Dr. Barry Jenkins, Piedmont Augusta’s Chief Medical Officer and Colon and Rectal Surgeon. “Changing behaviors like exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking or using tobacco products will greatly help.”
Many colorectal cancers do not cause symptoms in early stages so it can be difficult to detect without screenings. Common signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, change in bowel habits or stool appearance, stomach cramping or pain, poor appetite, unexplained weight loss or weakness.
“Innovative colorectal cancer treatment options depend on a number of factors but may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy,” Jenkins said.
The American Cancer Society website said the disease is expected to cause about 52,900 deaths during 2025.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
