Colon Cancer Awareness 

What You Should Know to Prevent and Detect It

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in men and women under age 50. According to the American Cancer Society almost 153,000 individuals in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2024, and more than 53,000 died from the disease.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, a time to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of prevention and early detection.  Awareness is crucial, as many cases of colon and rectal cancer can be prevented. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when it’s detected early. 

Understanding Your Risks

Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk:

Age: Most cases occur in individuals aged 50 and older

Family History: A family history of colon cancer or polyps can increase your risk.

Personal History: Previous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease heighten your risk.

Lifestyle Factors: Diets high in red and processed meats, smoking, heavy alcohol use and lack of physical activity can contribute to an increased risk.

However, it’s not just older adults who need to be vigilant. Colorectal cancer incidence has been steadily increasing in younger Americans for the last several decades, with the sharpest rise seen in the incidence of rectal cancer. In 2020, 11% of all colon cancer and 15% of all rectal cancer diagnoses were estimated to occur in individuals under age 50.

“Waiting for symptoms is too late,” said Keri Hill, MD, gastroenterologist for Intermountain Health. “Screening occurs when you have no symptoms and feel well. Early detection is critical to catching colorectal cancer and saving lives.”

This rise is alarming because younger patients often have more advanced cases by the time they’re diagnosed. Factors contributing to this trend may include environmental exposures, dietary habits, and sporadic genetic mutations, said Dr. Hill. 

“Younger individuals face unique barriers when it comes to colon cancer screenings, such as a lack of awareness about the need for screening, fear or discomfort associated with the procedure and challenges in navigating the healthcare system,” said Dr. Hill. “It’s crucial for everyone, regardless of age, to understand their personal risk factors and discuss them with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan.”

Updated national guidelines make it possible for more people to be screened with a colonoscopy and stool-based testing starting at age 45.

Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colon cancer detection, as it not only detects abnormalities, but removes precancerous lesions. For most patients a colonoscopy is then only needed once every 10 years, or once every five years if your doctor determines you have an increased risk of colon cancer. Earlier screening may be recommended for anyone with a personal history of polyps or family history of colon cancer. 

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) or other chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, talk with your doctor or a GI specialist to determine when and how often you should be screened.

“Don’t delay your screenings,” said Dr. Hill. “It could save your life.”

                                                                                   Dr. Keri Hill

Other Screening Options

Individuals who are 45 to 75 years old with average risk may qualify for colon cancer screening kits. This is an option that allows you to get a test kit in the mail and send it back to the lab for testing without the need for an appointment.

1. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This simple, non-invasive test detects hidden blood in the stool, an early sign of colon cancer. You can complete it at home, and if the results are positive or abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy may be necessary.
2. Cologuard: Combining the FIT with a DNA test, Cologuard detects abnormal DNA markers in stool samples. It’s also non-invasive and can be done at home. A positive or abnormal result will require a follow-up colonoscopy.

Understanding your risks and exploring your screening options are vital steps in preventing colon cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened. For more information, to schedule a colonoscopy, or to find a physician click here. 

More from the Experts at St. Vincent Regional Hospital

About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.