Commentary|Articles|April 30, 2026

FAQs on Colorectal Cancer, Treatment, and Prevention

Fact checked by: Fadi Braiteh, MD, Brooke McCormick

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Education on colorectal cancer symptoms and screening can help to prevent advancing disease in a cancer that is seeing increased incidence in younger adults.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world.¹ Although colorectal cancer is common and potentially high in mortality, it is also a cancer that is often highly treatable when found early or even prevented through timely screening and the removal of polyps before they become cancerous. With the occurrence of colorectal cancer rising in younger age groups, it is important to know the methods of preventing, treating, and detecting colorectal cancer before it gets out of hand.

What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include rectal bleeding, cramping or abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, weakness or fatigue, blood in the stool, and unintended weight loss.² Signs of jaundice or difficulty breathing can be a sign that the cancer has become metastatic, appearing as late manifestations of the cancer. Colon polyps often cause no symptoms, although bleeding from the rectum, change in bowel movement, change in stool color, low red blood cell count, and abdominal pain can occur. Patients experiencing symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are the main risk factors of colorectal cancer?

There are several risk factors for colorectal cancer, many of which can be monitored and prevented. Being overweight or obese, having type 2 diabetes, eating a diet high in red or processed meats, smoking, and alcohol use are all modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer.³ Some risk factors of colorectal cancer cannot be changed, however. Individuals have a higher risk of colorectal cancer as they age in general, but the incidence of colorectal cancer is rising in younger individuals.

In the US, the highest rates of colorectal cancer are found in those of American Indian, Alaska Native, and African American descent. A personal history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease can all be risk factors, as well as a family history of colorectal cancer.

When should patients start screening for colorectal cancer?

Recently, the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening has been pushed earlier to 45 years.⁴ Those aged between 45 and 75 years with average risk should be screened regularly, and those aged 76 to 85 years should be screened on an individual basis.

Screening should be done earlier and more frequently in those with a family history of colorectal cancer, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, or if a patient has a genetic syndrome. Screening is done for patients who have no symptoms, as screening can be both diagnostic and preventive when clinicians can remove potentially precancerous polyps during these screening tests. Those who are experiencing symptoms should seek medical evaluation immediately.

Is colonoscopy the only screening option?

Although colonoscopy is considered the most comprehensive way to screen for colorectal cancer, due to its ability to scan the entire colon and remove any polyps seen during the screening, it is no longer the only way. Stool tests are becoming more accessible, with fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests supported for annual use and able to detect blood in the stool. FIT with DNA is also available every 1 to 3 years under the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, where altered DNA is detected. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can check for cancer or polyps inside the lower third of the colon and can be done every 5 years. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be undergone every 10 years with the addition of an annual FIT.

How can the risk of colorectal cancer be reduced?

Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented in any guaranteed way. However, reducing risk and screening regularly can help to address colorectal cancer before it becomes more serious. Lowering the risk of colorectal cancer by remaining physically active, keeping at a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking are all ways of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.⁵

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