Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

In an effort to increase public awareness and raise funds for research and treatment, on February 29^th 2000 President Bill Clinton established via Presidential Proclamation that The United States would observe National Colorectal Awareness Month annually each March.

This article will focus on providing you with some basic insight into colorectal cancer as well as ways you can affect positive change in the lives of current and future patients, survivors, and their families alike.

One of the most important things you can do this month is to educate yourself about colorectal cancer (CRC) and how it impacts those affected by it. The current campaign statement of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is “Don't Assume”. This statement aims to combat myths and misunderstandings regarding public knowledge of colorectal cancer (for instance, the notion that CRC is hereditary, or that only seniors are afflicted) and encourages physicians to take greater care in screening for CRC.

Colorectal Cancer Facts

Colorectal cancer often goes misdiagnosed due to the fact that it shares many symptoms with benign conditions such as diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease.

Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that originate in the colon and rectum. It begins as a small precancerous polyp presenting on varying segments of the lower intestinal lining and grows deep into the muscle tissue before finally spreading to other sites like the lungs and liver.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2019, over 44,000 people will be diagnosed with rectal cancer, and over 100,000 will receive a diagnosis confirming colon cancer. The incidence of colorectal cancer is higher in men than in women, likely because of better screening practices in women and the protective effects of female sex hormones.

Despite being both the third most common type of cancer diagnosis as well as the second most fatal - more than 50,000 people are estimated to die from colorectal cancer in 2019.

Colorectal cancer research is moderately underfunded compared to other cancer types.

Although colorectal cancer is very common and very deadly, according to a 2012 analysis of survivorship quality of life measurements, most colorectal cancer survivors live their remaining years in good health so long as a diagnosis is made in the early stages of the disease.

The majority of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of 60. Tragically, in cases where colorectal cancer begins formation at a young age, misdiagnoses are very common. This is mostly due to the lack of proper screening and speaks to a need for greater suspicion by physicians when assessing the colorectal health of young patients.

Risk Factors

Like most cancer incidences, colorectal cancer is often preventable through lifestyle changes and regular screenings. Correlative factors include inflammatory bowel disease, having a first-degree relative with CRC, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco use, and consumption of processed meat.

You can improve your chances of living cancer-free by quitting tobacco now. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable cancers and It's estimated that over 30% of cancer deaths yearly can be attributed to tobacco use. There are several resources available to help tobacco users discontinue use, such as Quit.com.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how nutrition impacts colorectal cancer risk, but guidelines for prevention focus on reducing direct risk factors like inflammation and indirect risk factors such as obesity. Consumption of foods rich in fibre, vitamin D, and whole grains are associated with lowered risks of colorectal cancer.

Exercise plays a crucial role in keeping your BMI within a healthy range and minimizing body fat. It’s recommended that adults engage in either 2 hours of low-intensity physical activity, or just over an hour of vigorous activity each week.

For more in-depth nutrition and exercise guidelines, visit the American Cancer Society's website.      

How To Participate

There are a few ways you can contribute to the battle against colorectal cancer and help raise awareness:

• March 1^st is “Dress in Blue Day”, and that's about as easy as it gets; wear blue throughout March to signal your support for patients, survivors, and families who have been impacted by CRC
• Attend an event either as a participant or volunteer - there are fundraisers happening all month, all over the country. You can see a list of Colorectal Cancer Alliance-hosted events here
• Get active on social media to spread awareness and support - you never know whose life you might be brightening
• Donate to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance  here  and the Colon Cancer Coalition  here