The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, cancer centers, and other organizations across the nation recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women; however, there are a variety of screening tests available to detect it.
Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures
- In 2025, an estimated 107,320 cases of colon cancer and 46,950 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.
- More than 52,000 people in the U.S. will die from colorectal cancer.
- The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.
- In people 50 years or younger, incidence rates have increased by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021.
- Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth-leading cause in women.
All data reported by the American Cancer Society (2025).
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
Early colorectal cancer has no symptoms, so regular screening is vital for early detection. Symptoms that may occur as the tumor progresses can include a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or blood in the stool, cramping or pain in the lower abdominal (stomach) area, and constant tiredness or lack of energy.
“Colorectal cancer affects men and women, and there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease,” said Wasif Saif, M.D., MBBS, medical oncologist, co-leader of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and leader of the Phase I Clinical Trials MDT.
Common risk factors include having a family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or type 2 diabetes.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
There are a variety of screening tests available. Some may find polyps and colorectal cancer, while others just detect cancer. The gold standard of colorectal screening is colonoscopies, where physicians can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. In general, regular screening for colorectal cancer may include:
- A yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
- A stool DNA test (sDNA) every three years.
- Either a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Additional screening tests are available. Ask your health care provider which tests are right for you.
Generally, people at average risk should begin screening tests at 45, whereas people with an increased risk should speak with their health care provider earlier.
“When it comes to colorectal cancer, I often like to encourage people to speak to their providers about their risk around 40 years old. That way, they are thinking about this important screening they know they need to have, and if they find out they are at a higher risk, they can begin their screenings sooner,” advised Dr. Saif.
Screenings offer the best chance of finding colorectal cancer early when treatment can be most successful. To learn more about colorectal cancer screening at Karmanos, visit karmanos.org/colorectalscreening.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Karmanos Cancer Institute
At Karmanos, colorectal cancer is treated by the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology MDT, which includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and genetic counselors. The team focuses entirely on treating gastrointestinal cancers and shares its collective expertise to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.
Our team of gastrointestinal oncologists is among the best in the world. The team collectively designs and conducts clinical trials and translational research. They contribute to publications on the surgical and medical management of gastrointestinal malignancies. For example, gastrointestinal cancers commonly spread to the liver and often require a detailed assessment by the members of the multidisciplinary team using sophisticated imaging techniques, followed by a combination of treatment approaches.
Ask your primary care provider or gastrointestinal specialist for a referral. Click here to learn more about the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology MDT at Karmanos.