March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Mar 21, 2025Unfortunately, CRC is generally asymptomatic and when the symptoms of CRC appear, such as rectal bleeding, anemia, or abdominal pain, most patients are already in the advanced stage.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that the global burden of colorectal cancer will increase by 56% between 2020 and 2040, to more than 3 million new cases per year. The estimated increase in the number of deaths from the disease is even larger, by 69%, to about 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2040. Most of the increase is expected to occur in countries with a high Human Development Index.
While family history and genetic predisposition may predispose someone to CRC, it is a known fact that environmental factors substantially contribute to the onset of the disease. Incidence and mortality are greatly affected by risk factors such as:
- Low amounts of physical activity
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Personal or family history of adenomatous polyps
- Family history of CRC
- Having Type II Diabetes
- Lynch Syndrome
- Peuts-Jeghers Syndrome
- MUTYH-associated Polyposis
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
- Attenuated FAP
- Gardner syndrome
- Turcot Syndrome
*African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US, while Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.
For people who are sedentary, the risk of colon cancer increases by 25-50% compared to those who are physically active. This may be due to the inhibition of fat accumulation, inflammation suppression, and improving gut motility and metabolic hormones. To reduce your risk of CRC, consider the following:
- Regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Consume a healthy diet with adequate fiber from high-quality organic fruits, vegetables, and nuts and avoid red and processed meats
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Consider supplementing with a multivitamin containing folate, vitamin D, and calcium
- Do not smoke
- Get Screened – Regular screenings (such as colonoscopies) can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. The recommended screening age is 45+, or earlier for high-risk individuals.
*Many studies have found that people who regularly take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps.
By spreading awareness, encouraging loved ones to get screened, and making healthier choices, we can help prevent colorectal cancer and save lives. Early detection is key—don’t wait!
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