Colorectal Cancer Awareness: What You Need to Know
March 1, 2026
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. In 2025, the National Cancer Institute estimated that 154,270 people in the United States were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2025 and nearly 53,000 patients passed away from the disease.
Since 2000, March has been National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Awareness of this disease is so important because cancer of the colon or rectum is often preventable. Both a family history of colorectal cancer and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can increase your risk, but otherwise, about 60% of the disease is driven by modifiable environmental factors.
“The main focus should be on prevention, early detection, and treatment,” says Dr. Li Li, co-director of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health program at the University of Virginia Cancer Center.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rising cases of colorectal cancer and getting an early diagnosis.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Screening by colonoscopy helps prevent cancer because precancerous polyps found during the procedure are removed at the same time, while cancer can be diagnosed in early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The five-year relative survival rate for cancer localized to the colon or rectum is 90%, but the survival rate drops significantly as the cancer spreads beyond those organs.
The average age of colorectal cancer diagnosis is 67. But colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 50, in which it is referred to as “early onset.”
The Rise of Early-Onset Cases
Cases of early-onset colorectal cancer have increased more than 100% since 1990. The well-known American actor from the 90s favorite Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek, passed away in February 2026 from stage III colorectal cancer at the age 48. He received his diagnosis in 2023 at age 46 after noticing a minor change in bowel habits.
“I hope because of his story that others will reevaluate some of the symptoms they may be having,” says Dr. Cathy Eng, the director of the Young Adult Cancers Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. “Hopefully, they meet with a physician to investigate further to ensure that they can be diagnosed earlier rather than later.”
Delays of four to six months between symptom presentation and diagnosis of colorectal cancer are up to 40% longer in people diagnosed under the age of 50. During this crucial period, the disease may advance to more dangerous stages, making it harder to treat.
“We’re often seeing early-onset patients presenting with stage III or IV cancer,” says Joshua Demb, a health science researcher at the University of California in San Diego. “Perhaps it could have actually been at an earlier stage, had it been detected earlier.”
When to See Your Doctor
According to a study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, rectal bleeding is one of the top indicators of colorectal cancer in people under 50, and another 2024 review published in JAMA Network Open had the same findings. About 45% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer reported rectal bleeding, while 40% reported abdominal pain and 27% noted a change in their bowel habits.
Rectal bleeding may present as darker-colored stool, which could be a sign of bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, or as bright red blood, including in the toilet or on toilet paper, which often comes from lower in the rectum. There’s no way for someone to tell at home what’s causing the bleeding, so people need to be proactive and see their doctor.
“The take home is, if there’s any blood, people should see their doctor about it,” says Kimmie Ng, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. “Certainly, if it’s not going away or it’s getting worse, it does need to be worked up further.”
In addition to rectal bleeding, other common symptoms include:
- Unusual stools, including thin and ribbon-like stools
- Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea and constipation, lasting more than two weeks
- Tiredness and low energy
- Any change in appetite, like feeling full early
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained abdominal pain
Some people have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if colorectal cancer runs in your family.
Lifestyle Changes for Prevention
According to the American Association of Cancer Research Cancer Progress Report 2025, factors that may be contributing to the increase include an unhealthy diet, obesity, environmental toxins, overuse of antibiotics, and a sedentary lifestyle.
To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer:
- Quit smoking and drink alcohol responsibly
- Exercise and remain active
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Limit red meat consumption to no more than three 12 to 18-ounce servings per week
- Opt for whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish
While the average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams of fiber per day, a healthy colon needs 25 grams per day, which can be found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
Raising Awareness
Anita Mitchell, who was battling stage IV colorectal cancer and lost a close friend and father to the disease, saw a need to bring awareness to a cancer that not many people wanted to talk about. So in 2006, she worked with her children’s school to coordinate a recognition day. In 2009, Mitchell brought the Dress in Blue Day concept to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance who took the program nationwide.
By wearing blue on March 6, you can help bring awareness to this disease and honor all of those impacted by colorectal cancer. You may share a photo on social media of yourself in blue with the hashtag #DressInBlueDay.
Other ways to raise awareness include:
- Learn up-to-date colorectal cancer facts and statistics
- Share what you learn with close friends and family
- Talk to your doctor about any concerns, as well as early screening options
- If you’ve been diagnosed or affected by the disease, consider sharing your story
You may also access this free toolkit from the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization for even more ways to get involved.
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed and needs support, you can call the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at (877) 422-2030 to speak with a certified patient and family support navigator.
Whether you’re seeking care or raising awareness, everyone needs to know about the symptoms of colorectal cancer and the benefits of early screening. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep symptom logs, medical records, treatment research, and advocacy resources in one place, giving you peace of mind and helping you stay organized.