Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) affects more people every year, especially the young. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 153,000 people in the U.S. received a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular screening, beginning at age 45. Screening is the key to prevention. If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. That’s why regular screening is so important.

My family’s story

My father died of colon cancer before he could enjoy retirement. A decorated World War II veteran, he served as a paratrooper and received numerous medals and awards. Like many vets, he rarely spoke of his war experiences and didn’t talk about his health. And like many who don’t get screened regularly for colon cancer, it wasn’t until he had acute symptoms did he see a physician. It was at that point we learned he had Stage 4 colon cancer. He lived for 3 years after his diagnosis, undergoing numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments and enduring severe pain. My mother, brother, and two sisters were with him when he died. We just couldn’t believe that he had left us so soon.

While Dad was undergoing treatment, we learned my mother had colon cancer, too. Double whammy! Luckily, she was screened early, and surgery gave her 40 more years of enjoyable life. My siblings and I screen regularly, and just a few years ago my brother was diagnosed through a routine colonoscopy. Triple whammy!

For our family, colorectal cancer is no laughing matter and not a topic to be ignored. Follow the CDC guidelines, and whatever your age, talk to your doctor.

Lillee Gelinas, DNP, RN, CPPS, FAAN

Editor-in-Chief