Colon Cancer Awareness Month: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

March 12, 2026

During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminding everyone that screening can save lives. If you’re over 45, or have three or more key symptoms, talk to your primary care provider to schedule a colon cancer screening today.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common — and most preventable — types of cancer.

Colon cancer often develops slowly and without symptoms, which means many people don’t know they have it until the disease has progressed. The good news is that screening can detect colon cancer early, or even prevent it entirely.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the colon or rectum. It often starts as small growths called polyps that form in the lining of the colon.

Over time, some polyps can become cancerous. Because this process often happens slowly, over a period of years, screening tests can detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.

One of the challenges with colon cancer is that early stages often cause no symptoms. That’s why screenings, such as colonoscopies, play such an important role in prevention and early detection.

“One concern we hear from patients is, ‘Why do I need a colonoscopy if I’m not having symptoms?’” says Dr. Caitlin Lund, a surgeon at Jefferson Healthcare. “Most colorectal cancers are completely asymptomatic until they become quite large or more advanced. Screening tests like colonoscopy or stool-based tests can help identify a lesion long before symptoms begin. In many cases, colonoscopy allows us to remove polyps before they ever turn into cancer, making it a preventive procedure as well.”

Why Screening Matters

Nearly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.

Even though screening is extremely effective at preventing or catching this disease early, millions of adults are not up to date on their recommended screenings. This means many cases of colon cancer could be prevented through early detection and screening.

Most adults should begin screening at age 45, though people with certain risk factors, like a family history of colon cancer, may need to start earlier.

When colon cancer is detected early, treatment is often more effective. In fact, when the disease is found before it spreads beyond the colon, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent.

Screening can also prevent cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer.

“Screening is one of the best ways people can protect their long-term health,” Dr. Lund says. “If you’re eligible for screening, don’t delay talking with your provider. Catching problems early makes a tremendous difference.”

Symptoms to Watch For

Cancer of the Colon or Rectum is the 4th most common cancer in the U.S. with 148,000 new cases each year. Perhaps most surprising is that this cancer has the highest mortality rate of any cancer for people under the age of 50. What’s more, incidence rates in people ages 20 to 49 have doubled in the last 20 years.

For these reasons, it’s essential to get screened for colon cancer, no matter your age, if you experience three or more of these symptoms:

• Change in bowel movement patterns.
• Blood in the stool.
• Diarrhea or constipation, or the feeling or sensation that your bowel doesn’t empty all the way.
• Abdominal pain or cramps.
• Unexplained weight loss (not intentional) or unexplained anemia.

Care Close to Home

When it comes to colon cancer, access to timely screening and treatment is essential. For residents of East Jefferson County, care is available close to home here in Port Townsend.

Jefferson Healthcare offers colon cancer screening services and surgical care, allowing patients to receive expert care without traveling to Silverdale or Seattle. Our care teams work closely with patients to guide them through screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Receiving care close to home can make a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones, reducing travel time and helping people stay connected with their support networks during treatment.

“Many people are also surprised to learn that colonoscopy itself is not generally painful,” Dr. Lund says. “Most patients say the most uncomfortable part is drinking the preparation beforehand. We have strategies to make that process easier, and we’re always happy to talk with patients about ways to make the experience as comfortable as possible.”

Take the First Step: Talk to Your Doctor About Screening

Colon cancer is highly treatable when detected early — and screening can even prevent it before it starts.

If you are 45 or older, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, now is a good time to talk with your healthcare provider about screening.

About Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.