MEMPHIS, TENN., MARCH 1, 2024 ― March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Saint Francis Healthcare is raising awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease. The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.  

What is colorectal cancer? 

Colorectal cancer is a disease characterized by the unchecked division of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum (colorectum), along with the anus, make up the large intestine, the final segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, or polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.  

The Stats: 

While an uncommon topic of conversation, it’s important to talk about and to get screened. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer (after prostate, breast and lung) diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates the following statistics for colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2024:  

• About 106,590 new cases of colon cancer (54,210 in men and 52,380 in women)
• About 46,220 new cases of rectum cancer (27,330 in men and 18,890 in women)
  

Screenings are important.:

Many lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer. The links among diet, weight and exercise, and colorectal cancer risk are some of the strongest for any type of cancer. 

“Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the best ways for preventing colorectal cancer. With regular screening, most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer,” said Dr. Moriah Wright, colorectal surgeon with Saint Francis Medical Partners.

Men and women aged 45 or older should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. There’s an increase in colorectal cancer cases that are impacting patients in their 20s and 30s. The reasoning for this increase may be related to dietary changes. For example, high fat diets from an early age alter bacteria in the intestines that may predispose to cancer. The same occurs with low fiber diets – meaning lacking fruit and grains – which may alter the healthy bacteria in the intestines. 

There are currently no formal screening guidelines for colorectal cancer patients in their 20s and 30s, except in the instance of a strong family history, a known genetic mutation or history of intestinal polyposis. A genetic DNA test may be an alternative screening.   

Listen to your body.: 

Colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away. If it does, it may cause one or more of these symptoms:  

• Change in bowel habits that last more than a few days 
• Feeling that you need to have bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one 
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool 
• Cramping or abdominal pain 
• Weakness and fatigue 
• Unintended weight loss com.

   

“It’s important to know many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection or irritable bowel syndrome,” Dr. Wright explained. “Still, if you have any of these problems, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early screening and detection of colorectal cancer is crucial.”  

To learn more about Saint Francis Healthcare, please visit our webpage here, and take our free colorectal cancer quiz here.  

About Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis

Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 479-bed full service hospital located at 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tenn. Offering a wide array of medical services, Saint Francis is noted for its many Centers of Excellence, including its Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Joint & Spine Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, and Surgical Services including its Center for Robotic Surgery, Diabetes Center, and Cancer Center. The hospital has been recognized for excellence of care by United Healthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna. Saint Francis Hospital serves as an academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, Family Practice, and Psychiatric Residents. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital, visit www.SaintFrancisHosp.com.

About Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett is a 196-bed full service hospital located at 2986 Kate Bond Rd in Bartlett. Opened in 2004, the hospital provides an extensive offering of medical services including a 24-hour emergency room, critical care, cardiac care, labor & delivery, neonatal intensive care, oncology, urology, physical therapy and a 16-bed Orthopedic/Spine Unit. Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett has been honored with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award, Leapfrog Group’s “A” Hospital Safety Score, and has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, visit www.SaintFrancisBartlett.