March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and the importance of screening. Nationally, this campaign encourages individuals, healthcare providers, and communities to take action by sharing life-saving information and promoting accessible screening options.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum — parts of the large intestine. It often begins as a small growth called a polyp. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous, but screening allows providers to find and remove these growths before they become cancerous.
Why Screening Matters
One of the most important tools we have to fight colorectal cancer is regular screening. Colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. People can be affected without realizing it; that’s why screening is so important. Screening detects early changes and can prevent cancer or catch it at a stage when treatment is most successful.
Who Should Get Screened?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. If you have a family history or other risk factors, talk with your provider about when to start screening and which test is right for you. The good news is that when colorectal cancer is found at a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is about 90–91%
Screening Options
There are several safe and effective screening options available.
At-home stool tests
- Completed in the privacy of your home
- Typically done every 1 – 3 years (depending on the type of test)
- A convenient option for many patients
Colonoscopy
- Performed in a medical setting
- Allows providers to look directly at the colon
- Often done every 10 years for average-risk adults
The best screening test is the one that gets completed. Your provider can help you decide which option is right for you.
Your Health, Your Action
If you’re 45 or older, now is the time to talk with your primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening. Whether it’s an at-home test or a clinical procedure, screening is a powerful step toward prevention and early detection.
At One Community Health, we’re committed to supporting our patients with accessible resources, education, and care. Together, we can reduce the impact of colorectal cancer in our community. If you are unsure whether you are due for a screening, ask your primary care clinician at your next visit or call (916) 443-3299 to confirm your screening status and to schedule an appointment.
