We believe knowledge is your first line of defense against colon and rectal cancer. Screening and healthy habits are powerful tools in lowering your risk, and early detection gives you the best chance at beating this disease. Whether you're wondering when to start screening or how to reduce your risk, we're here to help you take proactive steps toward protecting your health.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of your digestive system. Sometimes called simply "colon cancer" or "rectal cancer," these terms are often grouped together because they share many features. Most colorectal cancers start as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.

Learn more in our blog: What are Colon Polyps and Are They Cancerous?

Understanding how this cancer develops highlights why regular screening is so critical: detecting and removing polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous.

How Colorectal Cancer Develops

In most cases, colorectal cancer starts slowly and silently. It often begins with a polyp growing along the lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless, such as hyperplastic polyps, which rarely turn into cancer. Others, like adenomatous polyps (adenomas), are considered precancerous and have a higher risk of developing into cancer if left untreated.

The transition from a benign polyp to cancer typically takes 5 to 10 years, which gives plenty of opportunity for screening and early removal before cancer develops.

Why Screening Matters

One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from colorectal cancer is to get regular screenings. Screening can find polyps before they become cancerous, and can also detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk begin screening at age 45. If no concerns are found, colonoscopies are typically recommended every 10 years. However, certain people should start screening earlier or be screened more frequently:

• If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• If you are African American, as statistics show a higher risk
• If you have certain inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• If you have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right screening schedule for you.

Screening Options

A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. This outpatient procedure allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. Any suspicious polyps found during the procedure can often be removed immediately. In some cases, a precancerous condition called dysplasia is found that can be removed before it becomes cancer. 

If you are at an average level of risk, your doctor may be able to start another screening option, such as:

• At-home stool tests that check for hidden blood or DNA changes linked to cancer
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower part of the colon
• CT colonography (also called a virtual colonoscopy)

While these options can be effective, a colonoscopy may still be recommended if any abnormalities are found.

Learn more about at-home colon cancer screening tests. 

Recognizing the Symptoms

Colorectal cancer does not usually show signs or symptoms until it has grown for a while. That’s why regular screening is key to catching cancer early. Read more about symptoms that you might not realize are related to colorectal cancer.

It's still important to be aware of symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer. Keep an eye out for:

• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Persistent abdominal cramps or pain
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or stool narrowing that lasts several days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely after a movement
• Fatigue or weakness

Remember, many of these symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous conditions like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it's important to report any changes to your doctor right away.

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer, you can lower some level of risk through healthy lifestyle choices. Research shows that about half of colorectal cancers could be prevented by changes in diet, exercise, and habits.

Here are some proven ways to reduce your risk:

• Stay active: Aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate to vigorous exercise every week.
• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and adequate calcium intake. Limit red and processed meats.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of many cancers, including colorectal cancer.
• Quit smoking: Long-term smoking is linked to an increased risk of colorectal and other cancers.
• Limit alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation — one drink per day for women and two for men.

Taking these steps will help lower your risk of cancer and other diseases.

The Importance of Family History

Although most cases of colorectal cancer are not inherited, about 5% of colorectal cancers are linked to hereditary syndromes. Even without a genetic syndrome, having a close family member (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer makes you two to three times more likely to develop the disease yourself.

If colorectal cancer runs in your family, it's essential to share that information with your healthcare provider. They may recommend starting screening earlier or screening more frequently.

Read more about colorectal cancer risks, including those you can control and those you cannot.

Why Early Detection Makes All the Difference

When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage colorectal cancer is around 91%. However, once the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops significantly. It’s better to find it early when treatment is minimal compared to a later stage when you may need several therapies if cancer is found.

Partnering With You on Your Journey

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is here to help you win the battle against colorectal cancer. We encourage you to see your doctor annually and be sure to discuss any family history of cancer to determine when various screening tests should start for you.

If you or a loved one in Colorado is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, our team is here to help with cancer centers located in the Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs areas.