Colorectal Cancer In Women

By Matthew Skancke, MD & Rami Makhoul, MD

Metro Colon and Rectal Surgery

. https://mcrsdocs.com/

More Cancer Awareness Articles

Colorectal Cancer In Women

The Importance of Early Detection & Screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among women—and it’s increasingly being found at younger ages. Today, average-risk screening starts at age 45, not 50, because evidence shows earlier detection prevents cancers and saves lives. Adults 45–75 should be screened regularly; screening after 75 is individualized based on overall health and prior testing. 

Why Early Detection Matters

Most colorectal cancers begin as small polyps in the colon or rectum with no obvious symptoms. Screening can find and remove these polyps before they turn cancerous or catch cancer at an earlier, more curable stage. Several options exist—including colonoscopy, stool-based tests (like FIT or stool DNA-FIT), and others—so patients and clinicians can choose the best test and interval.

Earlier-Onset Disease Is Rising—Especially Rectal Cancer

While overall rates in older adults have declined with screening, incidence is rising in people under 55—about 1–2% per year in recent years—and roughly 1 in 5 new diagnoses now occur in those younger than 55. Rectal cancers are notably contributing to this trend, with growing numbers diagnosed in people in their 40s. These patterns are why symptoms in younger adults deserve prompt evaluation, even before age-based screening begins. 

Risk Factors Women Should Know

Risk increases with age, but women in their 40s and 50s are not exempt. Family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), certain hereditary syndromes, type 2 diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diets high in red or processed meats all raise risk. Discuss your personal and family history with your clinician to determine if you need earlier or more frequent screening than average-risk guidelines.

Symptoms Women Often Overlook

Don’t ignore warning signs—at any age. Red-flag symptoms for earlier-onset disease include rectal bleeding (blood in or on the stool) and abdominal pain; changes in bowel habits (new or persistent constipation/diarrhea), unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, or unintended weight loss also warrant evaluation. Studies show many younger patients have months of delay from first symptoms to diagnosis—timely work-up (often including colonoscopy) is critical.

Reducing Risk Through Lifestyle Changes

You can lower risk by eating a fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol. These steps, plus on-time screening starting at 45, form the strongest defense against colorectal cancer. 

Bottom line: If you’re 45 or older, get screened. If you’re younger than 45 but have risk factors—or any of the symptoms above—talk with your clinician about the right test now, not later. Early detection and prompt attention to symptoms save lives.