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Colon Cancer: Know the Risks, Get Screened, Save Lives

Colon Cancer is the Second Leading Cause of Cancer Death—But It Doesn’t Have to Be

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., and  It’s also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.     But here’s the good news: when detected early, it’s highly treatable.
The reality is that colon cancer can affect anyone, but Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed in later stages, when treatment options are limited.   Early detection can mean the difference between life and death: the 5-year relative survival rate is 91% if diagnosed at an early stage (I-II), vs 16% if diagnosed at a late stage (IV).

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Colon Cancer is Increasing Among Younger Adults

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While most cases occur in people over 50, colon cancer is rising among younger adults, often
going undetected until it’s advanced. That’s why screening is now recommended starting at age
45—and earlier if you have a family history.

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Key Facts You Should Know *

Colon cancer often develops with no symptoms—don’t wait for signs before getting screened.

1 in 5 people diagnosed with colon cancer are under 54 years of age.

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6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in late stages, making treatment more difficult.

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African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer.

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*Source: coloncancercoalition.org

What are some of the common signs and symptoms?

Colon cancer may not always cause noticeable symptoms, but some warning signs to watch for include...

Take Charge of Your Health Today

Know

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As you prepare for your next appointment with your healthcare provider:

ACT

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  • Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S.*

  • When colon cancer is found at an early stage through screening, the 5-year relative survival rate is 91%.**

  • There are multiple ways to screen for colon cancer.

   Inform your healthcare provider if you:

  • Have had a prior diagnosis of colon cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.

  • Have a family history of colon cancer or known genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.



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  • What can I do to lower my risk of colon cancer?

  • When should I begin screening for colon cancer?

  • Which screening method is best suited for my lifestyle and needs?

  • How can I schedule my screening, and when can I get it done?

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  • Take notes at your appointment and follow through with your doctor’s
    recommendations.

  • After making an informed and shared decision with your healthcare provider, follow through with your screening

  • Encourage friends and family to get screened, too.

*American Cancer Society, **National Cancer Institute

Talk to your doctor about the screening options that are right for you. If you are interested in learning more about a blood test for average-risk patients, 45 years of age and older,
visit www.ShieldCancerScreen.com

This content was developed by the First Ladies Health Initiative with support from Guardant Health, the makers of:

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First Ladies Health Initiative References

1- Reference: Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Giaquinto AN, Sung H, Jemal A. Cancer
statistics, 2025. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025; 75(1): 10-45. doi:10.3322/caac.21871
 

2 - Reference: National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. Accessed May 31,
2024. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html

3 - Reference: American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025. Atlanta:
American Cancer Society; 2023.

4 - Reference: National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. Accessed May 31,
2024. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html

 

​5 - Reference: Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Giaquinto AN, Sung H, Jemal A.
Cancer statistics, 2025. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025; 75(1): 10-45.
doi:10.3322/caac.21871
 

6 - American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms.
Accessed June 28, 2025.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-
diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
- John Hopkins medicine. Colon Cancer Symptoms. Accessed June
28, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/colon-cancer/colon-cancer-symptoms

7 - Reference: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement: Colorectal
Cancer: Screening. Accessed June 28, 2025.
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening

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8 - Reference: American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025. Atlanta:
American Cancer Society; 2023.


9 - Reference: Primm KM, Malabay AJ, Curry T, Chang S. Who, where, when: Colorectal
cancer disparities by race and ethnicity, subsite, and stage. Cancer
Med. 2023; 12: 14767-14780. doi:10.1002/cam4.6105

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