What you need to know about colorectal cancer

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most-common cancer in the United States?

Every year over 130,000 individuals are diagnosed with the disease, which is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Colorectal cancer is most often found in people 45 and older, though cases may be diagnosed earlier. It impacts people from across all racial and ethnic groups.

Regular visits with one’s care team and receiving suggested screenings can help identify potential issues early on.

It is estimated that up to 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if everyone 45 or older were regularly screened via methods like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Colonoscopies study the entire colon and rectum for polyps, a type of growth that is often where colon cancer develops. Sigmoidoscopies are used to study the lower portion of the colon and rectum.

Many people express some fear related to what they think receiving colonoscopies or sigmoidoscopies will be like, but there is no reason to hesitate these screenings. SSM Health providers complete these procedures all the time, and patients may resume their regular activities very soon afterwards.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include: 

• Age: Many individuals need to begin screening at 45 
• Having inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) 
• Family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer 
• Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, being overweight, consuming alcohol or using tobacco products

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may present similarly to other conditions such as hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms vary between individuals, but the following are commonly reported:

• Blood in stool (typically bright red or very dark)
• Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Stools that are more narrow than usual (sometimes pencil-like
• Unexplained stomach discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Iron deficiency anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Learn more about your risk for developing colorectal cancer by utilizing a FREE SSM Health risk assessment today. You will receive your results immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your care team right away.