Clicky

Colorectal Cancer

Our communities are often diagnosed with colorectal younger ages and later stages, which makes early screening and strong advocacy so important. Scroll to find resources for support.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine that help digest food and remove waste. It often begins as a small growth called a polyp that can turn cancerous over time.

Untitled design 1 1

Symptoms of
Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer may not show symptoms early on, that’s why routine screening is critical. Later signs may include:

shutterstock 1634737474 scaled 1

CHANGES IN BOWEL HABITS

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely

shutterstock 1824634562 scaled 1

BLOOD IN STOOL

  • Bright red or very dark blood

shutterstock 762122539 1 scaled 1

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

  • Losing weight without trying

CHANGES IN BOWEL HABITS

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely

BLOOD IN STOOL

  • Bright red or very dark blood

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

  • Losing weight without trying

Want more information about this condition?

Because symptoms can mimic other conditions, it’s important to advocate for blood tests and imaging if something doesn’t feel right.

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about
managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

Untitled design 1 4

Risk Factors
for Colorectal Cancer

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for colorectal cancer:

  • Race & Ethnicity: Black Americans are more likely to get colorectal cancer and have worse outcomes.
  • Age: Risk increases after 45, but rates are rising among younger adults.
  • Family History: Having a parent or sibling with colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions increases risk.
  • Personal Health History: Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) raises risk.
  • Screening: Regular screening can catch polyps before they become cancer.
  • Diet: Diets high in red or processed meat and low in fiber can raise risk.
  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise lowers risk.
  • Smoking & Heavy Drinking: Both increase your risk for many cancers, including colorectal.
Untitled design 1 3 1

Managing and Preventing Colorectal Cancer

The earlier colorectal cancer is found, the more treatment options you have, and the better your chances for a cure.

Untitled design 1 4
shutterstock_2430401423-scaled.jpg

Medications & Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Most common treatment to remove cancerous tissue.
  • Chemotherapy & Radiation: May be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or stop spread.
  • Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that use your body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
shutterstock_2470596595-1-scaled.jpg

Nutrition & Gut Health

What you eat can support your strength during treatment and help prevent recurrence:

  • Focus on fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limit red and processed meats when possible.
  • Stay hydrated and talk to your care team about supplements or probiotics if needed.
Health-Care-2-scaled.jpeg

Accessing Clinical Studies

Clinical studies give you access to the latest treatments, but Black people remain underrepresented in research:

  • Ask your doctor if there are studies you might qualify for.
  • Learn how studies work, what they cost (often free!), and what questions to ask.

Managing Lung Cancer

When found early, lung cancer can be treated more effectively, but Black people are less likely to be offered curative treatments like surgery. Empowering our community with knowledge and advocacy can help close that gap.

Untitled design 1 4
shutterstock_2078575474-1-scaled.jpg

Medications

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

  • Diuretics (“water pills”): Help your body get rid of extra salt and water
  • ACE inhibitors & ARBs: Help relax your blood vessels
  • Calcium channel blockers: Help slow your heartbeat and ease vessel tension
  • Beta blockers: Reduce your heart rate and how hard it works
The-Right-Amount-of-Sodium-to-Re.png

Everyday Strategies

  • Reduce Salt: Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day
  • Manage Stress: Therapy, prayer, breathing exercises, joy
Fitness-3-scaled.jpg

Lifestyle Support

  • Eat Smart: Whole foods, fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains
  • Move More: 30 minutes of activity most days
shutterstock 2430401423 scaled 1

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: To remove tumors when possible
  • Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells throughout the body
  • Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer options that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer
shutterstock 2264575135 scaled 1

Managing Side Effects and Recovery

  • Talk with your care team about fatigue, nausea, or trouble eating
  • Stay up to date on vaccinations and respiratory infections
shutterstock 2254749919 scaled 1

Advocating For Yourself

  • Bring a loved one to appointments to help take notes and ask questions
  • Seek a second opinion if needed, especially about surgery or clinical studies

What Our Community Needs

We read the online discourse on colorectal cancer and found that our community is looking for:

Untitled design 1 4

Resources for Younger African Americans

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger African Americans, with a growing number of individuals under 50 being diagnosed, challenging the traditional expectation that the condition primarily impacts older adults.

Early Diagnosis

There is a lack of awareness and public discussion about colorectal cancer, which often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Despite being one of the most common and deadly cancers, colorectal cancer doesn’t receive the same attention as other cancers, resulting in insufficient screening and late-stage diagnoses.

Dietary Guidance

Black people face challenges in colorectal cancer outcomes, with diet playing a crucial role in these disparities. Research shows that individuals from the Black community are more likely to develop early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) and often face worse survival rates compared to other racial groups.

Resources for Colorectal Cancer

Many people with colorectal cancer live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Hear From Other People

Listen to this round table discussion about colorectal cancer, prevention, and stigmas within our communities.

Find a Screening Location

Questions to ask at your next visit, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Prevention

Learn about ways to prevent colorectal cancer and how to recognize symptoms.

Resources for Colorectal Cancer

Many people with colorectal cancer live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Download Every Kidney Counts Assets

Download Rooted Resilience Assets

Skip to content