At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we believe that knowledge and early detection are powerful tools for protecting your health. In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how colorectal cancer affects our patient community and sharing information to help you stay proactive about your gastrointestinal and colorectal health.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal growths called polyps form in the colon or rectum and become cancerous over time. These polyps may grow slowly and often develop without noticeable symptoms in early stages.
- Colon cancer begins in the colon, the long section of the large intestine.
- Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the final portion of the digestive tract near the anus.
If untreated, cancerous polyps can grow through the wall of the colon or rectum and spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
In the United States:
- More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year
- Over 50,000 deaths occur annually
- About 1 in 24 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime
- The average age of diagnosis is 66 years old
The good news is that early detection dramatically improves survival rates. When colorectal cancer is found early through screening, survival rates can exceed 90%.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
Because colorectal cancer often develops slowly and without symptoms, routine screening is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent it.
Current medical guidelines recommend that adults between ages 45 and 75 receive regular colorectal cancer screening, typically through a colonoscopy every 10 years or other screening methods recommended by a healthcare provider.
Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended if you have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Other risk factors affecting digestive health
A colonoscopy screening allows physicians to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous, making it one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available.
If you have a close relative who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, doctors often recommend beginning screening 10 years before the age of their diagnosis.
Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer has historically been associated with older adults, but in recent years doctors have observed a concerning trend: rates are rising among younger adults.
Today:
- Nearly 20% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people under age 55
- Colorectal cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among adults under 50
Researchers are still studying why this shift is happening. Possible contributing factors include:
- Diets high in ultra-processed foods
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Environmental factors
- Delayed screening or symptom recognition
Many younger adults are diagnosed at later stages because symptoms are often dismissed or mistaken for less serious digestive issues. This makes awareness and early medical evaluation especially important.
Understanding Risk Factors
While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase risk. These include:
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Diets high in red or processed meats
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Obesity and metabolic health conditions
If one or more of these risk factors apply to you, your primary care provider may recommend earlier screening or more frequent colonoscopy exams.
Colorectal Health and the LGBTQ+ Community
Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique healthcare barriers, including lower screening rates and disparities in preventive care access.
Factors that can contribute to these disparities include:
- Limited access to culturally competent healthcare
- Higher rates of certain lifestyle risk factors
- Experiences with stigma or bias in healthcare settings
These challenges can delay colorectal cancer screening and lead to later diagnoses and lower survival rates.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, our providers specialize in LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare and prioritize preventive care services such as cancer screenings, sexual health care, and comprehensive primary care. Our team is committed to helping patients stay proactive about their health in a supportive and affirming environment.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Whether or not you have a familial history of colorectal cancer or increased risk, it’s crucial to monitor your body and any changes affecting your rectum and gastrointestinal system and speak to a physician about them. Many young people aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is in a later stage because they did not notice or they dismissed symptoms as dietary or normal. If you’re concerned about something, it is never harmful to bring it up with your care provider and it may in fact save your life.
While not all colorectal cancers will have obvious symptoms, there are some symptoms that warrant an immediate diagnostic check:
- Bowel changes that last for several days at a time, including constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling pressure in the bowels that can’t be relieved
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which might make stool look black or dark brown
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Unintended or mysterious weight loss
- Low iron in the blood
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
If you experience symptoms, it is best to get screened as soon as possible.
Your Colorectal Health Matters
Colorectal cancer is a serious condition, but it is also one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and open communication with your healthcare provider can significantly reduce risk.
If you are due for a screening or have concerns about your digestive health, your provider can help you determine the best approach for your personal health history.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, our healthcare team is committed to providing comprehensive, culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ individuals and all members of our community. From primary care and preventive screenings to specialized sexual health services, we’re here to support your health at every stage of life.
If you’re ready to schedule a colorectal cancer screening or speak with a provider, we encourage you to connect with our team to learn more about your options.
Since 2000, medical providers and public health advocates have honored March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting realities around the third most common cancer diagnosis for adults in the United States. Colorectal cancer is currently the third most common cancer diagnosis and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we believe that knowledge and early detection are powerful tools for protecting your health. In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how colorectal cancer affects our patient community and sharing information to help you stay proactive about your gastrointestinal and colorectal health.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal growths called polyps form in the colon or rectum and become cancerous over time. These polyps may grow slowly and often develop without noticeable symptoms in early stages.
- Colon cancer begins in the colon, the long section of the large intestine.
- Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the final portion of the digestive tract near the anus.
If untreated, cancerous polyps can grow through the wall of the colon or rectum and spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
In the United States:
- More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year
- Over 50,000 deaths occur annually
- About 1 in 24 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime
- The average age of diagnosis is 66 years old
The good news is that early detection dramatically improves survival rates. When colorectal cancer is found early through screening, survival rates can exceed 90%.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
Because colorectal cancer often develops slowly and without symptoms, routine screening is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent it.
Current medical guidelines recommend that adults between ages 45 and 75 receive regular colorectal cancer screening, typically through a colonoscopy every 10 years or other screening methods recommended by a healthcare provider.
Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended if you have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Other risk factors affecting digestive health
A colonoscopy screening allows physicians to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous, making it one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available.
If you have a close relative who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, doctors often recommend beginning screening 10 years before the age of their diagnosis.
Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer has historically been associated with older adults, but in recent years doctors have observed a concerning trend: rates are rising among younger adults.
Today:
- Nearly 20% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people under age 55
- Colorectal cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among adults under 50
Researchers are still studying why this shift is happening. Possible contributing factors include:
- Diets high in ultra-processed foods
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Environmental factors
- Delayed screening or symptom recognition
Many younger adults are diagnosed at later stages because symptoms are often dismissed or mistaken for less serious digestive issues. This makes awareness and early medical evaluation especially important.
Understanding Risk Factors
While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase risk. These include:
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Diets high in red or processed meats
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Obesity and metabolic health conditions
If one or more of these risk factors apply to you, your primary care provider may recommend earlier screening or more frequent colonoscopy exams.
Colorectal Health and the LGBTQ+ Community
Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique healthcare barriers, including lower screening rates and disparities in preventive care access.
Factors that can contribute to these disparities include:
- Limited access to culturally competent healthcare
- Higher rates of certain lifestyle risk factors
- Experiences with stigma or bias in healthcare settings
These challenges can delay colorectal cancer screening and lead to later diagnoses and lower survival rates.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, our providers specialize in LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare and prioritize preventive care services such as cancer screenings, sexual health care, and comprehensive primary care. Our team is committed to helping patients stay proactive about their health in a supportive and affirming environment.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Whether or not you have a familial history of colorectal cancer or increased risk, it’s crucial to monitor your body and any changes affecting your rectum and gastrointestinal system and speak to a physician about them. Many young people aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is in a later stage because they did not notice or they dismissed symptoms as dietary or normal. If you’re concerned about something, it is never harmful to bring it up with your care provider and it may in fact save your life.
While not all colorectal cancers will have obvious symptoms, there are some symptoms that warrant an immediate diagnostic check:
- Bowel changes that last for several days at a time, including constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling pressure in the bowels that can’t be relieved
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which might make stool look black or dark brown
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Unintended or mysterious weight loss
- Low iron in the blood
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
If you experience symptoms, it is best to get screened as soon as possible.
Your Colorectal Health Matters
Colorectal cancer is a serious condition, but it is also one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and open communication with your healthcare provider can significantly reduce risk.
If you are due for a screening or have concerns about your digestive health, your provider can help you determine the best approach for your personal health history.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, our healthcare team is committed to providing comprehensive, culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ individuals and all members of our community. From primary care and preventive screenings to specialized sexual health services, we’re here to support your health at every stage of life.
If you’re ready to schedule a colorectal cancer screening or speak with a provider, we encourage you to connect with our team to learn more about your options.