Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable health threat that affects countless individuals and families, with particularly alarming statistics emerging from Arizona. This state ranks fourth in terms of colorectal cancer diagnoses and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Between 2017 and 2021, Arizona saw an average of 2,796 cases of invasive colorectal cancer reported each year, translating to a prevalence rate of 32.1 cases per 100,000 people.

March serves as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to prioritize discussions around this life-threatening disease and reinforce the importance of early detection and routine screenings.

What Exactly Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum and typically begins as a precancerous growth known as a polyp. If these polyps go undetected, they have the potential to progress to cancer. One of the challenging aspects of colorectal cancer is that in its initial phases, symptoms are often absent. As a result, regular screenings become imperative.

Be Aware of the Warning Signs

It's crucial to recognize potential warning signs of CRC, which may include: - Altered bowel habits - Blood present in the stool - Persistent diarrhea or constipation - Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping - Unexplained weight loss Paying attention to these symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare provider can lead to timely interventions.

Understanding the Scope of the Crisis

The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects staggering numbers, forecasting around 107,320 new colon cancer cases and 46,950 new rectal cancer cases in 2025. Disturbingly, about 52,900 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year alone. The lifetime risk of developing CRC stands at approximately one in 24 for men and one in 26 for women. Alarmingly, recent trends indicate a 1% annual increase in colorectal cancer deaths among individuals under 55 since the mid-2000s.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk

The gold standard for reducing your risk of colorectal cancer lies in regular screenings. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises individuals at average risk to start screenings at age 45 and continue through age 75. For those aged 76 to 85, it's essential to make screening decisions in collaboration with a healthcare professional. Individuals with specific risk factors (such as family history or genetic predispositions) may need to commence screenings even earlier.

Screening tests can identify precancerous polyps, allowing them to be removed before they evolve into cancer. The advantages of early detection are substantial, significantly boosting survival rates: the five-year relative survival rate jumps to 91% for localized colon cancer and 90% for locally staged rectal cancer. Conversely, once cancer has metastasized, these survival rates plummet to 13% for colon cancer and 18% for rectal cancer.

Your Action Plan

Make no mistake: awareness is key. Engage your healthcare provider in conversations about your individual risk factors and the appropriate timeline for screenings. A proactive approach combined with lifestyle choices—such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use—can play a significant role in lowering your risk.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take charge of your health. With colorectal cancer being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices truly do make a difference! Don’t leave your future to chance—start your journey towards better health today.