Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that Colorectal Cancer is the 3^rd most diagnosed type of cancer in the United States? One in 24 men and one in 26 women worldwide will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s more important than ever to understand the risk factors and to know about the preventive screenings available.

Rising Rates in Young People

For individuals under 50, colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death, and those numbers continue to climb. The rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses has also doubled in the last 20 years for individuals under 55, and for those younger than 50, the rate is increasing by 3% or more each year.

What all this means is that more people below the recommended age to start preventive screenings are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer after symptoms, and the disease has already worsened. Knowing the rates are rising makes it critical to be aware of the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and to speak with your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms. It’s better to have them rule it out early than delay a diagnosis and treatment.

Reduce Your Risk

There are some risk factors that we cannot control, like our age, previous family history, and other chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Fortunately, many of the common risk factors for developing colorectal cancer are lifestyle choices that we can impact by making different choices.

• High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diets: By cutting back on highly processed foods, red meat, and high-fat foods, you can reduce your risk while fueling your body. A high-fiber diet, full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, will provide benefits for more than just your gut health.
• Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyles: Many of our jobs and hobbies have us sitting for 8 or more hours a day. If you’re not getting the recommended minimum amounts of activity or carrying extra body weight, then you are increasing your risk for developing cancer and other chronic conditions. Find time to add in physical activity like walking with friends, easy yoga routines, or stretch breaks during the workday.
• Vaping & Smoking: Long-term vaping and smoking have been linked to increased overall cancer rates. Vaping is not without its risks, and it’s a harmful alternative to smoking. Quitting can be difficult, so talk with your doctor or look for programs like Tobacco Free Florida for resources and help.
• Alcohol Consumption: Frequent and increased alcohol consumption can increase cancer risks even if you’re sticking to the recommended servings of alcohol. Reducing your alcohol intake can be difficult, and if you need help, you can check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for local and national resources.

What To Watch For

Colorectal cancer has a high 5-year survival rate when caught early. Unfortunately, diagnosis and treatment can be delayed because individuals ignore the early signs and symptoms. It may be uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about some of these symptoms with your doctor, but it’s important to pay attention and speak up if you are experiencing any of the red flags below.

• Unexplained chronic abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding, blood in stool: This includes blood coming from the rectum, or blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement.
• Unusual Stools: Includes frequent or chronic diarrhea. Watch for any changes in the way your stool looks. Keep an eye out for dark or black stools, which may indicate bleeding from a tumor. Talk to your doctor if you have stool that is narrow, thin or ribbon-like, which may signal that a tumor is obstructing your bowels or rectum. Unusual stools include frequent or chronic diarrhea.
• Low energy or tiredness: This could be due to anemia from blood loss. If you are a young woman with chronic anemia that you assume is due to menstrual bleeding, it’s a good idea to explore other causes as well.

Screenings Save Lives

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults start getting preventive screenings for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. At 50 years old, staying on top of regular screenings is even more important. Screening options have advanced, and there are options for individuals with average to low-risk factors. Family history and previous symptoms may rule out some screening options. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor about getting screened early and about which screening option is the best for you. For more information about screening options, we recommend checking out the American Cancer Society for information and explanations.

• Colonoscopy: This screening examines the entire colon and is performed every 10 years for average-risk individuals.
• Stool-based Tests: These non-invasive screenings look at the stool for signs of cancer or polyps, like the presence of blood or changes to the DNA or RNA from cells in the sample. These need to be performed more frequently, typically every 1-3 years.
• Blood-based Tests: Screen for occult (hidden) blood in a stool sample through chemical reactions.

References

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. American Cancer Society.

K. K. (2026, February 12). Colorectal Cancer: What Millennials and Gen Zers Need to Know.

National Institutes of Health (n.d.). Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute.

Siegel, R. (2026). Leading Cancer Deaths in People Younger Than 50 Years. Journal of the American Medical Association.

(2025, March 5). Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Skyrocketing in Young Adults—Is Your Lifestyle Putting You at Risk? Cancer Research Institute.

About Florida Health Care Plans

Founded in 1974, Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) is a pioneering provider of health insurance plans and comprehensive health care services, available to individuals, families, employers, and Medicare-eligible individuals.

Headquartered in Daytona Beach, FHCP was the first federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Florida and the second federally qualified HMO in the Nation. As a community-based health care provider, FHCP offers members access to primary and multispecialty care, on-site pharmacies and labs, radiology, ultrasound, and other services at its integrated care centers located throughout Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.

An affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell family of health solutions companies, FHCP carries an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best. FHCP is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information, visit www.FHCP.com. For the latest news and content, visit the FHCP Newsroom and follow FHCP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram @floridahealthcareplans, and X (formerly Twitter) @myFHCP.