Body | Health Observances

 

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it is detected early, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. One of the main reasons for this is that many people either delay screening or are unsure when to begin it. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month helps raise awareness of screening, early detection, risk factors, and the role of medical imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning.

This page is designed to serve as a central resource for colorectal cancer awareness and education. Throughout this guide, you will find information on risk factors, symptoms, screening guidelines, and the use of imaging. You will also find links to more detailed articles on screening methods, colorectal cancer statistics, and risk assessment tools.

Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Still Matters

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, and the risk increases with age. However, cases have been increasing in younger adults in recent years, which is why screening guidelines now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45.

Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps become cancer, but some types can turn into cancer over time. This process often takes several years, which is why screening is so effective. Screening tests can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, and screening can also detect cancer early, when treatment is more successful.

Regular screening is one of the most effective ways to reduce colorectal cancer deaths. When colorectal cancer is found early, treatment is often more successful, and survival rates are significantly higher than when the disease is found at a later stage.

If you are not sure when to begin screening or which test is appropriate for you, our screening guide explains the available options and recommended screening intervals.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or the rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from food, and the rectum stores stool until it leaves the body. Cancer can develop in either location, and these cancers are grouped together because they share many of the same risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods.

Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Some polyps are harmless, but others can develop into cancer over time. Because this process can take years, screening tests are able to detect polyps and remove them before cancer develops. This is why colorectal cancer is considered one of the most preventable cancers when screening guidelines are followed.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Understanding your risk factors can help determine when screening should begin and how often you should be tested. While colorectal cancer can occur in anyone, certain factors increase the risk.

Common risk factors include:

  • Age 45 or older 
  • Family history of colorectal cancer 
  • Personal history of colon polyps 
  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis 
  • Diet high in red or processed meats 
  • Smoking 
  • Heavy alcohol use 
  • Obesity 
  • Physical inactivity 

Even people with no known risk factors can develop colorectal cancer, which is why routine screening is recommended for average-risk adults beginning at age 45.

For more information about colorectal cancer risk factors, statistics, and survival rates, visit our colorectal cancer awareness education page. 

You can assess your personal risk by using the National Cancer Institute’s Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is recommended before symptoms appear. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may develop.

Symptoms may include:

  • Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Abdominal pain or cramping 
  • Unexplained weight loss 
  • Fatigue or weakness 
  • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely 

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should always be evaluated by a medical professional, especially if they last more than a few weeks.

When symptoms are present, diagnostic testing and imaging may be used to determine the cause. Imaging services such as MRI and CT scans help physicians evaluate abnormalities and diagnose many conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis. You can learn more about MRI imaging services offered at Greater Waterbury Imaging Center.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines and Screening Options

Screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer or detect it early. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before cancer develops.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, USPSTF, recommends:

  • Screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults 
  • Continuing screening through age 75 
  • Adults ages 76 to 85 should discuss screening with their doctor 

There are several screening options, and each test has a different recommended screening interval.

Screening tests that can find polyps and cancer include:

  • Colonoscopy 
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) 
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy 
  • Double-contrast barium enema 

Stool-based tests that primarily detect cancer include:

  • Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) 
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) 
  • Stool DNA test 

Each screening method has advantages and limitations, and the right test depends on a patient’s risk factors, age, and medical history. A detailed breakdown of screening methods and the frequency with which each test is recommended is available in our colorectal cancer screening guide.

The Role of Imaging in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Imaging is not typically used for routine colorectal cancer screening, but it plays an important role after cancer is detected or when doctors need more information to plan treatment. Imaging can help determine the size of a tumor, whether cancer has spread, and how well treatment is working.

MRI is often used for rectal cancer staging, evaluating whether cancer has spread to nearby structures, monitoring response to treatment, and evaluating the liver for possible spread of colorectal cancer. CT and PET scans may also be used to evaluate disease extent and guide treatment planning.

Prevention and How to Lower Your Risk

While not all colorectal cancers can be prevented, several steps may help reduce risk. These include regular screening, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting red and processed meats, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Screening remains the most effective prevention tool because it can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Is a Reminder to Schedule Screening

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to review your risk factors, understand screening options, and talk with your doctor about when to begin screening. Many colorectal cancers can be prevented through routine screening, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

You can learn more about screening, risk factors, and colorectal cancer prevention by visiting these resources:

Greater Waterbury Imaging Center – Diagnostic Imaging Services

 

Greater Waterbury Imaging Center provides diagnostic imaging services for patients and referring providers throughout the Waterbury area. We offer MR imaging in an outpatient setting, with a focus on accurate imaging, timely reporting, and coordination with physicians to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

Imaging is used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, cancer, abdominal and pelvic conditions, and women’s health concerns. Imaging also plays an important role in cancer staging, treatment planning, and monitoring response to therapy.

Patients can learn more about available imaging services by visiting the MRI services page. 

Patients preparing for an imaging exam can find preparation instructions, what to expect during the appointment, and answers to common questions on the patient information page. 

Referring providers can access referral forms, contact information, and provider resources on the referring physicians page.  

Contact us to learn more about Greater Waterbury Imaging Center’s MR imaging services or to schedule your next MRI.

Greater Waterbury Imaging Center provides advanced diagnostic imaging services to patients and physicians throughout the Waterbury area. Our team works closely with referring providers to deliver accurate imaging and timely results to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care.  Contact GWIC for all your MR imaging needs.