COLORADO – March 2025 – Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., only behind lung cancer, and yet is one of the most preventable cancers with lifestyle modifications and following recommended screening guidelines. Regrettably, cancer screening rates for all types of cancer, including colorectal, decreased during the covid-19 pandemic nationwide and globally. The expert teams at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) encourage everyone to observe March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – an annual national campaign that aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, encourage regular screenings, and support research and treatment efforts.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cancer screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer slowed or stopped in nearly 90 percent of all cancer screening centers across the U.S. during the pandemic. The slowdown, or interruption, of cancer screening on a national level could lead to more cancer cases in the future. Regular screenings, including colonoscopies, can help prevent or detect colorectal cancer in its early stages.
“Colorectal cancer awareness is critical because in many cases of cancer of the colon and rectum, early detection through screening can significantly improve survival rates,” said Dr. Manojkumar Bupathi, Medical Oncologist and RMCC Practice President. “Colorectal cancer doesn’t always come with obvious signs and symptoms, and that’s why screening is so important. Don’t avoid it – it could save your life!”
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends colon and rectal cancer screening to start at the age of 45, supported by research that found increasing cases of this type of cancer among younger adults. While research remains ongoing, several contributing factors attributed to the increase are poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
“Usually, there are no signs that cancer is growing in the colon or the rectum, especially when it’s in the early stages,” said Dr. Alonso Pacheco, Medical Oncologist and RMCC Medical Director. “Colorectal cancer screening can find pre-cancerous and cancerous areas when they’re very small. It can be tough to deal with, but anyone over 45 should really stay on top of their health, take the time to schedule an appointment, and discuss a colorectal cancer screening plan that works for them.”
For people under 50, at-home testing before a colonoscopy or other types of tests performed in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional may be an option. This allows for the test to be done in the comfort of a person’s home, as stool testing has become much more accessible in the last few years. Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) kits and all the instructions to perform them at home are sent to the patient’s home, requested by a doctor. The patient collects a stool sample and mails it to a lab, where the sample is tested for blood and gene changes.
“Screening recommendations differ whether someone is at average risk or high risk for the disease,” said Dr. Bupathi. “Patients who are at average risk tend to have no family history of colorectal cancer and are healthy. The ACS recommends average-risk patients to undergo screening every 10 years.”
At RMCC, patients get so much more than a colon and rectal cancer doctor – they get an entire team of specialists who are relentless dedicated to their health. RMCC care providers treat the whole patient, addressing their physical, emotional, social, practical, and spiritual needs in a compassionate, community-based setting.
Colorectal cancer screenings performed at a healthcare facility like RMCC are the most accurate and helpful tests available and can allow the doctor to remove any polyps that may be suspicious. Colorectal cancer screening at a healthcare facility requires a full day of “prep time” to clean the colon for the doctor to see inside clearly, plus the actual procedure the following day.
“Patients who are considered at high-risk for colorectal cancer likely have a family history of the disease, problems with inflammatory disease, and may have received radiation to the pelvic from a previous cancer,” said Dr. Pacheco. “For patients who fall into the high-risk category, the ACS recommends beginning earlier than age 45 and scheduling screenings more frequently. Regular screening and prevention are key for those at high risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.”
RMCC is part of The U.S. Oncology Network, a highly respected national organization collaborating to advance innovative care and deliver optimal outcomes. As Colorado’s leader in cancer treatment, we’ve been delivering world-class cancer care with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years, and we make our patients’ lives easier by offering coordinated care access in 19 locations throughout Colorado. So, if you find yourself facing new challenges in your health journey, we’ll be on your side, empowering Your Courage with Our Proven Experience.
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Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is an independent, physician-led practice that delivers leading-edge technology and treatment options and conducts innovative research. For more than 30 years, RMCC has pioneered community-based care to enable more cancer patients to receive high-quality treatment while staying close to the support of family and friends.
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers treats more adult cancer than any other healthcare organization in Colorado, providing 19 locations and a network of 54 physicians specializing in cancer care throughout the state. RMCC is collectively focused on treating cancer and blood disorders with advanced technology and innovative research no matter where you live, while taking a community-based approach of integrated subspecialty oncology care. This enables patients to access leading-edge treatment while living at home and receiving the critical support of family and friends.
Patients who are treated at RMCC can participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. RMCC has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs – about one-third of cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout The Network.
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