Colorectal Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is a cancer of the large intestine or rectum, and is one of the most common cancers in the United States. 1 in 25 Women (and 1 in 23 men) develop colon cancer during their lifetime.

Wondering what your risk is and what you can do about it? Trying to figure out if you need a colonoscopy? In our new show, we dive deeper into these questions so you can better understand the disease and learn how regular screening can help prevent most cases.

In recent years, the Recommendations for colon cancer screening The screening age has moved from 50 to 45 as more and more young people have started getting colon cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, talk to your health care provider to see what age you should get screened. In some cases, it may even be earlier than age 45.

That was the case for Alicia Maslar, who shared her story: “When I was 32, I was getting ready to get married and have children. Then I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.” She never imagined she could have colon cancer at such a young age. “I want women to stand up for their rights and have access to a colonoscopy, especially if they have symptoms and are younger than the recommended age for screening,” she explained.

No matter your age, everything related to a colon cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming – from understanding treatment options to managing your mental health, we can help you take the next steps.

The good news is that colon cancer is highly preventable. In our infographic, “We Need to Talk About Colon Cancer,” we address removing the stigma in hopes that more people will address early symptoms with their doctor, as it is key to better outcomes.

Continue reading to learn more about detection, prevention, and treatment of this common disease.

This resource was created with support from Merck.