Colon Cancer Awareness Month 2025 is a chance to tackle more than just colorectal cancer statistics. It’s an opportunity to confront stigmas head-on, save lives through early detection, and address critical risks affecting our communities. This year, Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater (GATGI) is committed to educating, supporting, and promoting health for those in the communities we serve and beyond.
Understanding the risks, symptoms, and the importance of screenings can make a life-saving difference—not just for you, but also for your loved ones.
The Alarming Rise of Colon Cancer in Younger Adults
Recent findings show a growing trend in colon cancer cases among adults under 50. Despite historically being seen as a disease impacting older adults, colorectal cancer now poses a significant risk to younger demographics.
Why Are Cases Rising?
Experts attribute this rise to multiple factors such as dietary changes, obesity, environmental exposures, and shifts in gut bacteria. Key contributors could include:
- Unhealthy diets high in processed foods and low in fiber.
- Sedentary lifestyles contributing to obesity.
- Increased exposure to environmental chemicals disrupting gut health.
With about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer expected this year, colon cancer education and awareness as well as early screenings have never been more critical.
High-Risk Areas Like Hampton Roads
Colon cancer doesn’t affect every region equally. According to research done in 2015 by the American Association of Cancer, Hampton Roads is one of the hotspots in the U.S. where colorectal cancer death rates are higher than the national average.
Notably, local studies report that women in Hampton Roads face significantly higher risks, with rates 15% above the national average for women.
Why Awareness and Early Detection Matter?
Colon cancer is both preventable and curable when detected early. Common precursors like polyps can develop into colorectal cancer over 10 to 15 years if left untreated, but regular screenings can prevent this.
Often, colon cancer in its early stages may present no symptoms, making regular screenings essential for detecting and treating it when it is most curable.
Signs and Symptoms
While some signs might appear later in the disease’s progression, look out for:
- Persistent rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained abdominal pain or anemia
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—colonoscopies can detect and remove polyps long before they present any risk.
Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines
Screening is the most effective tool we have to catch colon cancer early:
- Average-risk individuals should start regular screenings at age 45. These include stool-based tests and visual exams like colonoscopies.
- High-risk individuals, such as those with a family history, may need to begin screenings even earlier.
Options for screening include:
- Fecal Tests (annual): Detects traces of blood in stool.
- Colonoscopy (as instructed by your gastroenterologist, usually every 5-10 years): The gold standard for detecting and removing polyps.
Barriers to Screening
Barriers to regular screening often include fear, lack of awareness, or difficulty finding time in a busy schedule. That’s where GATGI’s Open Access Colonoscopy can help. This convenient option allows eligible patients to schedule a colonoscopy without needing an initial visit with a provider prior to the procedure, saving time and making the process easier. By removing unnecessary steps, Open Access makes it simpler than ever to prioritize your health. Learn more about the Open Access program here.
Take Charge of Your Colon Health
Colon Cancer Awareness Month 2025 is a reminder that you have the power to make informed decisions that could save lives. Whether it’s scheduling your first colonoscopy or encouraging loved ones to get screened, your actions matter.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Early detection is your best defense. Take the next step for your health and schedule a colonoscopy with GATGI today.
At GATGI, their goal is simple—empowering patients to take control of their digestive health. Whether it’s routine screenings or gastrointestinal disease treatment, GATGI’s expert gastroenterologists in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach are here to provide exceptional care every step of the way.
To learn more about our GI services or to schedule an appointment, call (757) 547-0798.
