A Diagnosis That Reshaped Our Family

Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon and rectum. It often begins as benign polyps in the lining of the large intestine. Some polyps produce symptoms like bleeding or constipation, but most do not.

Anyone can get colorectal cancer regardless of gender or background. While risk generally increases with age, early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise: the American Cancer Society reports that about 45% of new diagnoses occur before age 65, and colorectal cancer has become a leading cause of cancer-related death for adults under 50. A family history raises your risk two to threefold, and genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis further increase risk. Lifestyle factors — smoking, heavy drinking, inactivity, and a diet high in red or processed meat — can raise risk.

Signs may include blood in the stool, a change in stool shape or color, persistent changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, fatigue or weakness, anemia, unexplained weight loss, abdominal cramping or back pain and feeling bloated or an urge to have a bowel movement. Many people have no symptoms, which underscores the importance of screening.

Treatment depends on whether the cancer began in the colon or rectum, how far it has spread, the tumor's biomarkers, and the person's health. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation for some rectal cancers, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Colorectal cancer is largely preventable. Regular screening can detect and remove polyps before they become cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting red and processed meats, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol can reduce risk. Even small lifestyle changes make a big difference.

Most non-grandfathered private health plans must cover USPSTF-recommended colorectal screening without cost-sharing. A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test is generally part of that preventive screening benefit, though out-of-network care or other services can still affect costs. Confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling. Coverage for treatment varies by policy and state. Talk to your insurance provider or agent about your benefits and potential costs.