Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters More Than You Think
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
It is symbolized by blue ribbons and statistics.
For me, it is also personal.
Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that is both highly treatable when caught early and, in many cases, preventable. And yet, people continue to die from it, often because screening did not happen soon enough.
The Gold Standard: Why a Colonoscopy Matters
There are several screening options available today. Stool-based tests can detect signs of cancer. These tests are convenient and non-invasive.
But a colonoscopy remains the gold standard.
Why? Because it does two things:
- It screens for cancer.
- It can prevent cancer.
During a colonoscopy, if a precancerous polyp is found, it can often be removed during the same procedure. That means cancer can be stopped before it ever begins.
This is not just detection. It is prevention.
The recommended screening age for average-risk adults has been lowered from 50 to 45. That change reflects a troubling reality: colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger adults.
And if I am being honest, I believe the conversation should start even earlier.
When You’re “Too Young”
More and more adults under 50 are being diagnosed.
If you are 40 and experiencing symptoms, getting a colonoscopy can be more difficult. Insurance may question it. Physicians may not immediately think “colon cancer.” Symptoms may be attributed to stress, diet, or something less serious.
Young patients often have to advocate strongly for themselves.
I wish that were not true. But it is.
If something feels off in your body, persist. Ask questions. Request further testing. Seek a second opinion if needed.
You know your body.
The Symptoms We Shouldn’t Ignore
According to the American Cancer Society, common symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:
- A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps or pain
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
But here is what I need you to know:
Sometimes the symptoms are subtle.
Sometimes they are easy to dismiss.
John’s primary symptom was extreme fatigue.
He was a biker. A hiker. A pescatarian. He was active and health-conscious. Colon cancer did not “fit” the profile.
Cancer does not always follow stereotypes.
That is why screening matters so much.
Screening Is an Act of Love
Regular screening is not a one-time event. It is something you stay current with, based on your doctor’s guidance and your personal risk factors.
Colon cancer is often slow-growing. Polyps can take years to develop into cancer. That means regular screening creates real opportunity to intervene early.
I often say that love sometimes looks like hard conversations.
In this case, love might look like scheduling the appointment you’ve been putting off.
It might look like encouraging your spouse or sibling to do the same.
It might look like advocating firmly when you feel dismissed.
From Awareness to Advocacy
In an earlier season of my life, I found myself learning the language of oncology far faster than I ever wanted to. Advocacy became part of survival.
I have written before about the importance of asking questions, understanding your options, and speaking up when something does not feel right. That remains true here.
Early detection saves lives.
Prevention saves lives.
Advocacy saves lives.
Colon cancer can strike anyone. It does not require a poor diet. It does not require inactivity. It does not always come with obvious warning signs.
But we do have one powerful tool.
Screening.
If you are 45 or older and have not been screened, please talk to your doctor.
If you are younger and experiencing symptoms, push for answers.
If you have a family history, ask whether you should begin earlier.
The appointment may be inconvenient. The preparation may not be pleasant.
But the alternative is far worse.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
Let’s make it more than a ribbon.
Let’s make it a reason to act.
