March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

In 1970, Vince Lombardi died from colon cancer at the young age of 57, just ten weeks after his diagnosis. Now, more than 50 years later, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women.

Occurrences of CRC are on the rise, especially among younger people. Since 2004, colon cancer diagnoses in people ages 18 to 50 have increased by 15%. Already a leading cause of cancer deaths in this age group, experts now predict it will become the leading cause of cancer deaths for people ages 20 to 49 by 2030.

Overall, CRC accounted for 8.7% of all cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 152,810 new cases in 2024 - the fourth most diagnosed cancer in the country. Because of this growing threat, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45.

Early detection saves lives. That’s why the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is taking action this March to spread awareness and highlight our partners working to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure colorectal cancer.

Know the Signs. Champions Check Down: Colorectal cancer can start silently, but common symptoms include:

stomach pains, cramps, or aches that don't go away
changes in bowel habits, such as going to the bathroom more or less frequently
weight loss that is unexpected/unplanned

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.

Get Screened. Champions Play Defense: The best teams anticipate, prepare, and defend against what they can’t control. Screening can not only detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stage but can also sometimes detect and remove abnormal growths called polyps before they become cancerous.

According to the CDC, colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps. Early screening can detect these abnormal growths, allowing them to be removed before cancer develops.

Regular screenings should now start at age 45 for those with no personal OR family history of colorectal cancer, even if there have never been symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

If any of the the following factors apply to you, it could mean an above-average risk for colorectal cancer - talk to your doctor about early screening:

A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
A hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or obesity
A history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, which is associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

There are several colorectal cancer screening strategies available. Talk with your doctor about which is right for you.

What We’ve Done. Foundation Takes Action: In 2024, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation awarded the University of Michigan a $50,000 grant to support its research project, “Optimizing Survivorship Among Younger Adults with Colorectal Cancer.” This was part of the foundation’s annual grant cycle, which awarded more than $300,000 to eight organizations in 2024.

Dr. Pasithorn (Amy) Suwanabol, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, along with her research team, is leading important studies focused on survivorship in colorectal cancer patients. As awareness of colorectal cancer grows, the number of diagnoses in adults under 50 has also risen. With earlier screenings, diagnoses, and treatments, it is increasingly important to understand the long-term effects of cancer treatment to improve the quality of life for these patients over time.

The valuable data now being collected plays a crucial role in Dr. Suwanabol's research. Her team combines cancer registry information with insights from patient interviews, covering key aspects such as financial stability, healthcare access, the impact on family and career-building, and other daily life factors. By analyzing this data, their findings aim to guide the development of better care strategies that can enhance the long-term well-being of all cancer patients.