Colorectal cancer may not get the same headlines as breast or lung cancer, but here’s the brutal truth: it’s one of the deadliest cancers in the United States — especially among adults under 50. Yet most cases are highly preventable with the right awareness and action.

What is Colorectal Cancer — and how does it start?

Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum – these can also be called colon or rectal cancer, depending on where they begin, because they have many features in common. Cancer begins when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Most colorectal cancers begin as growths, or polyps, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps become cancerous, but some types can evolve into cancer over the course of many years. The scary part? Many people don’t have symptoms in the early stages — that’s why screening is the #1 way to prevent cancer before it starts.

The most important thing you can do: get screened

Here’s the deal:

• Screening saves lives. Detecting polyps early means they can be removed before they turn cancerous.
• The CDC recommends regular screening starting at age 45 for most people.
• You may need to be tested earlier than 45, or more often, if you have: Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps; or a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

There isn’t just one way to get checked. Options include:

• Colonoscopy — the gold standard, visualizes the entire colon
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy — only checks the lower third (rectum/sigmoid)
• Stool-based tests — like FIT or at-home DNA tests

Talk to your provider about which test is right for you.

Colorectal Screenings at CCP

Our CCP surgeons at Community Care General Surgery and specialists at Capital Region Gastroenterology bring extensive training and experience to both upper and lower endoscopic procedures. For many patients, these screenings and diagnostic tests can be performed in the comfort and convenience of our Interventional and Endoscopy Suite at 6 Wellness Way off Route 9 in Latham, NY.

This suite is a QUADA recognized (Global accreditation authority) facility. For appropriate low-risk patients, having procedures performed here offers clear advantages. It’s a private, non-hospital setting, which typically means lower out-of-pocket costs than hospital-based care. Patients also benefit from ample free parking, a calm and comfortable pre- and post-procedure environment, and a location that’s easy to navigate for both patients and their families.

Care coordination is seamless. As a CCP patient, your primary care provider receives timely access to your full colonoscopy report through our shared electronic health record system — ensuring no gaps, no delays, and no fragmented communication.

If screening identifies a concern, CCP offers comprehensive, coordinated treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, or a personalized combination of therapies. From prevention and screening to advanced treatment, our team is equipped to guide you every step of the way.

Know the risks — most are preventable

Some risk factors are beyond control (age, genetics), but a large chunk are lifestyle-linked — meaning you can do something about them:

Common Modifiable Risks

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Sedentary lifestyle
• A diet high in red/processed meats
• Obesity or excess weight

Smart Lifestyle Moves That Matter

Research suggests these habits help protect your colon health:

• Eat fiber-rich foods — veggies, whole grains, legumes, fruits
• Stay active — even brisk walking improves gut health and reduces inflammation
• Limit red and processed meats and alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight — excess weight increases risk across cancers

These aren’t gimmicks — they’re habits backed by evidence that shift risk patterns over time.

What symptoms should prompt immediate action?

Sometimes symptoms do appear — and when they do, don’t ignore them:

• Blood in stool
  Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Unintended weight loss

Colorectal cancer symptoms are also similar to symptoms caused by other health issues, such as infection, hemorrhoids, and IBS. Therefore, speaking with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms is crucial.

Act Now, Not Later

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — and it’s a reminder that this is one cancer we have real power to prevent. With routine screening and smart lifestyle habits, you can significantly lower your risk and stay one step ahead.

If you’re of screening age or have risk factors, schedule that conversation with your provider today — and encourage the people you care about to do the same.