Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Saving Lives Through Early Screening

Observed every March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month stresses the importance of prevention and early detection of a disease that disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities.

Identified by the American Cancer Society as the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States¹, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable, yet one of the most terminal when detected in late stages. That life-saving gap is widest in underserved communities, with lack of insurance, transportation challenges, a lower awareness of screenings options, and limited access to health care contributing to this disparity.

Colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Regular screenings can detect and remove these polyps before they become dangerous. While most people are advised to begin screenings at age 45, those with the following risk factors should start at an earlier age:

• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained abdominal pain

There is no question that screening saves lives – but only if accessible. Whittier is committed to ensuring that our patients receive timely and accurate cancer screenings and care.

References

1. American Cancer Society. (January 2026). Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.