Making a Difference in Colorectal Cancer Research

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and research in colorectal cancer detection and treatment is more critical than ever. Today, colorectal cancer is being diagnosed in more younger patients than before—according to the American Cancer Society, while the overall rate of people receiving a CRC diagnosis has decreased since the 1980s, there has been an increase in rates by 2.9% in people younger than 50 years of age from 2013-2022. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States—in 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 108,860 new cases of colon cancer and 49,990 new cases of rectal cancer.⁽¹⁾

This March, we’re discussing CRC and how research access impacts CRC treatment and prevention.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that develops within the colon and rectum, which make up the large intestine, and is part of the overall gastrointestinal (GI) system. Most CRCs start with a polyp, which is a small growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are fairly common, particularly for older individuals, and most are benign, however some can develop into cancer over time. If cancer forms in a polyp, it can continue to grow into the intestinal wall and eventually may even grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels and be carried to other parts of the body, classifying the stage of cancer.⁽²⁾

While CRC is the third most common cancer diagnosed, there have been declines in incidence and mortality rates, with incidence rates at 1%/year and mortality rates at 2%/year for people aged 65 and older in the past decade. However, for people younger than 50 and between 50 and 54, incidence rates have increased by 2%/year, with an increase of 3% annually for advanced disease incidence.⁽¹⁾ While there is no way to fully prevent CRC, screening can help find abnormal cells before the become cancerous, and people may lower their CRC risk by avoiding risk factors within their control, such as:

• Avoiding excess body weight and maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding or limiting red meat, processed meats, and sugary drinks 

• Not smoking or quitting smoking

• Avoid drinking alcohol

There are CRC risk factors that unfortunately cannot be changed, such as age, personal/family history of CRC, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or abdominal radiation, or racial and ethnic backgrounds, which make CRC screening even more crucial. 

Screening vs. Diagnosis

Historically, CRC screening has been recommended after the age of 50, but certain guidelines have been updated to the age of 45 or younger to reflect the recent trend of CRC detection at an increased rate in younger individuals, especially for individuals with increased risk. Thanks to new advances in medicine, there are multiple ways to screen for CRC, including colonoscopies, blood-based tests, fecal tests, virtual colonoscopies, and, in some instances sigmoidoscopies. Each screening test has its benefits and limitations, and some are better for certain individuals than others, making it important to speak to a medical professional to decide what is best. 

Upon screening, if an abnormality has been found, usually a diagnostic colonoscopy or proctoscopy is performed and, if a suspected colorectal tumor is found, then it is usually biopsied which means a small sample of a lump or tumor is taken out and examined at a lab. Once the sample is examined and tested, a pathologist makes the diagnosis and delivers the results to help patients determine the right treatment option with their doctor.  

Why Research Matters

Research plays a pivotal role in all medical understanding and advancement, from uncovering new treatments to finding better ways to detect or diagnose a condition or illness. For CRC, our clinical team is doing their part to contribute to cancer research, including a Phase IV CRC treatment study for CRC in Black and Hispanic patients, a biospecimen collection study for CRC screening, and a study evaluating a blood test for CRC.

• Phase IV CRC Treatment Study:
  This Phase IV study focused on understanding how a specific cancer treatment affects Black and Hispanic patients—groups that are often underrepresented in research. Through close collaboration with our healthcare partners, we enrolled one of the first patients in the United States, helping the study move forward and contributing valuable safety data. For the patient, participation meant access to a new treatment option, additional medical support, and help with travel costs—highlighting how clinical research can open doors to care while advancing progress against colorectal cancer.

   

• Biospecimen Collection Study:
  This study involves a blood sample that is used to help evaluate a screening test that screens for multiple cancers, including CRC. With the help of our vast Community Research Network, we have partnered with seven healthcare practices to bring this study to their patients, resulting in over 437 participants who are all directly contributing to help advance cancer screening. 

   

• CRC Blood-Test Study:
  This ongoing study is evaluating a new blood-based screening test for CRC. This blood-based test has already been approved by the FDA; however, this study helps provide additional follow-up for participants across 6 years. This test could provide an easier way to detect CRC earlier with a relatively simple blood collection and help provide patients with more information to determine their screening options.  

These three studies are examples of how research can impact the entire journey of CRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and how clinical trials can make a difference in someone’s life. 

If you or someone you know has an increased risk, it is important to know the signs of CRC so that it can be found early. CRC does not always have symptoms, and it can affect each person differently, but there are some common symptoms that can show up, such as:

• Any bowel habit changes, including diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stool that lasts for weeks

• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement, but not having one

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

• Blood in the stool, or stool that looks dark brown or black

• Cramping or stomach pain

• Unintended/unexplained weight loss

• Feeling tired or weak

Understanding the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer (CRC) and recognizing the importance of early detection can significantly improve outcomes. By staying informed, advocating for regular screening, and consulting healthcare professionals when concerns arise, individuals can take proactive steps toward safeguarding their health. Research and clinical trials continue to advance our knowledge and treatment options, offering hope and better futures for those affected by CRC—we are proud to be able to play our part and help provide more care options for all.

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. (2023). Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023–2025. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf

2. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Colorectal cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer.html