Know the Facts about Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Screenings
March 6, 2025
For individuals younger than 65 years old, the rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses has continuously increased for decades, and this year was no different according to the American Cancer Society’s Annual Report. The best way to combat this statistic is to improve education and awareness of cancer screenings.
Curtis Weaver, MD, a gastroenterologist at Trinity Health Medical Group Gastroenterology and medical director of Trinity Health Endoscopy Center, Grand Rapids, breaks down common colorectal cancer myths and provides the facts.
Curtis Weaver, MD
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine
Trinity Health Medical Group, Gastroenterology - Grand Rapids Campus
Accepting new patients
A referral from a primary care provider is required to schedule a colonoscopy.
View DetailsMyth: Colorectal cancer is easily detectable.
Curtis Weaver, MD: Often, in the early stages of colorectal cancer, there are no symptoms, and an individual will not know that there is anything wrong. However, even in the early stages, colorectal cancer is easily detectable by a colonoscopy. It’s also preventative by detecting and removing colon polyps, which are the precursors to colon cancer.
When colorectal cancer symptoms develop, people often notice blood in their stool, new constipation, bloating, and weight loss. Some tests may also show anemia.
Myth: Colorectal cancer screenings should begin later in life and only if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Curtis Weaver, MD: We have been seeing an increasing trend of individuals being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages, including individuals without a family history. Thanks to colorectal cancer screening programs, the overall rates of new colon cancer cases and mortality from colon cancer are decreasing. Still, we are seeing younger people being diagnosed.
The current guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at the age of 45 for individuals without significant family history. If individuals have a family history of colorectal cancer, the time to start screenings may be earlier than 45, and they should talk with their physician about when to start.
Myth: Colorectal cancer mainly affects older people.
Curtis Weaver, MD: More patients are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages, nearly doubling since the 1990s. While research is still unclear as to why this is happening, you should talk to your physician about any concerning symptoms (such as blood in your stool, new constipation, bloating, or weight loss) and whether a colonoscopy or other testing is needed.
Even if you do not have a family history of colorectal cancer and are 45 years old or older, it is time to talk to your doctor about being screened.
Myth: Polyps are always cancerous.
Curtis Weaver, MD: During a colonoscopy, doctors find several types of polyps, which aren’t always cancerous. Some polyps are entirely benign with no association with cancer. These include hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps.
It is also common to find precancerous polyps (tubular adenoma or sessile serrated polyps). These polyps are not cancerous, but if they are left in the colon to grow, they have a risk of becoming cancerous – that is why we remove them during colonoscopies, which helps to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Occasionally, we will find a polyp with an area of cancer within it. In this situation, sometimes removing the polyp at the time of colonoscopy is enough to treat the cancer. However, surgery or other treatments may be required.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is always fatal.
Curtis Weaver, MD: Detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages allows for effective treatment and offers good survival outcomes. Unfortunately, it is much more challenging to treat when it is detected in later stages after it has spread to other parts of the body.
With colonoscopy screenings, we have been able to both prevent cases of colorectal cancer and decrease deaths from it by early detection.
There are certain known risk factors for developing colon polyps and colon cancer, which are modifiable. They include obesity, smoking, and consuming a high number of processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and salami. Losing weight, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting consumption of processed meats can help reduce the risk of polyps and cancer. However, reducing these risk factors does not eliminate the risk, and screenings are still important.
Additionally, Trinity Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon are part of the Cancer Network of West Michigan, a collaboration between Trinity Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, UM Health-West, and Michigan Medicine. Specialists and subspecialists offer cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and access to the latest research, treatments, and clinical trials.
Learn more about colorectal cancer screenings and talk to your doctor about getting screened.
A referral from a primary care provider is required to schedule a colonoscopy. Don't have a primary care provider? Start your search here.