Why Awareness Matters
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to colorectal surgeon Dr. Kelly Finan with Our Lady of the Lake Health, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Cases are rising in younger adults. It is now the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50.
Warning Signs to Watch
Symptoms often develop gradually and may seem minor at first. Dr. Finan says people should pay attention to persistent changes such as:
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Bloating or abdominal pain
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Changes in bowel habits
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Narrow stools or frequent diarrhea
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Blood in stool
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Unexplained weight loss
Many people dismiss these symptoms as stress, diet changes, or hemorrhoids. Ignoring them can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Screening Saves Lives
Doctors recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. A colonoscopy remains the gold standard because doctors can detect and remove precancerous polyps during the procedure. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. When caught early, colorectal cancer has cure rates near 95 percent.