Know the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer!

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! It’s when we all put on our blue, raise awareness, and remind each other to get screened.

Why? Because colorectal cancer is no joke. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with it, and it’s on the rise among people under 50. But here’s the good news: it’s preventable, and if caught early, the survival rate is 91%!

Screening is key, and it’s easier than you think. You don’t always need a colonoscopy—there are at-home tests too. But if you’re squeamish, remember: colorectal cancer is the only cancer you can prevent before it starts.

Colorectal cancer often develops with no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why routine screening is crucial! But if you notice any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them:

🔹 Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool)
🔹 Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
🔹 Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
🔹 Unexplained weight loss
🔹 Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels
🔹 Ongoing fatigue or weakness

Iron Road Healthcare, we’ve got you covered. Preventive Colonoscopy screenings are covered at 100% for in-network Blue Cross Blue Shield providers. To find an in-network provider click on the “Find a Doctor” tab, on our website.