Colorectal Cancer Awareness - Marshall Health Network

Colorectal, or colon cancer, is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Regular screenings help prevent it by catching polyps before they become cancerous and can also help detect it early, when treatment often leads to a cure.

The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45 because the vast majority of new cases of colorectal cancer – around 90 percent – occur in people who are 45 or older.

Those with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, personal history of an inflammatory bowel disease, family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome or who have had radiation in the abdomen or stomach area to treat a prior cancer should talk with their primary care provider about whether screening earlier may be appropriate.

There are several screening options available. Talk to your primary care provider about which options are best for you.

Signs & Symptoms

Colon cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings are critical. However, as the cancer progresses, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent diarrhea or constipation
Narrow or ribbon-like stools
A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement

Blood in the Stool

Bright red or dark blood in the stool
Black or tarry stools, indicating bleeding higher in the colon

Abdominal Discomfort

Cramps, gas, or pain in the abdomen
Bloating or feeling full

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without changes in diet or exercise

Fatigue or Weakness

Persistent tiredness, often due to blood loss (anemia) caused by the cancer

Feeling that Your Bowels Aren’t Emptying

Ongoing feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, even after going to the bathroom

Rectal Bleeding

Blood coming directly from the rectum or on toilet paper

When to See a Doctor

Persistent Symptoms: If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than a few weeks, especially blood in your stool or changes in bowel habits, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Age 45 or Older: Most guidelines recommend beginning regular colon cancer screenings (such as colonoscopy or stool tests) at age 45, even without symptoms. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting earlier.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Anemia: If you’re losing weight without a clear reason or are experiencing fatigue related to anemia, see a doctor as these can be signs of colon cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or fall into a higher-risk category, don't hesitate to schedule a screening.

Explore our Marshall Health Gastroenterologists

Screening Options

Colon cancer screening options include:

STOOL TESTS: At-home tests like FIT, gFOBT and FIT–DNA look for blood or altered DNA in the stool.
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY: Gives your doctor a good view of the lower third of your colon.
COLONOSCOPY: Lets the doctor view the entire colon and remove most polyps and some cancers. It is performed in the doctor’s office.
VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY: Uses x-rays to let a doctor see images of the colon on a computer screen.

To find out which screening is right for you, talk with your primary care provider. As part of the screening process, all positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy, according to the American Cancer Society.

Schedule a Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and it's on the rise. A colonoscopy is one of several routine screening tests used to find:

Precancerous polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
Colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

It may also be recommended for patients who have had previous polyps or who are experiencing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or bleeding. Surgeons and gastroenterlogists are both trained to perform colonoscopies. To schedule your colonoscopy, call one of our Marshall Health Network facilities below:

HIMG Gastroenterology: 304.528.4626
Marshall Health Gastroenterology: 304.691.8681
Marshall Surgery: 304.691.1200
Rivers Health Gastroenterology: 304.857.3615
St. Mary’s Medical Center Colonoscopy Clinic: 304.399.7667