Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Gut Advocacy and Awareness

For too long, colorectal cancer (CRC) has been called a “silent” disease. But the truth is, our bodies are often whispering—we just need the tools to listen and the confidence to speak up. At Rooted in Violet, we believe that your voice is the strongest medicine you have.

In this updated guide, we are looking at the latest facts about colorectal cancer, why it impacts our community differently, and how you can use the ROOT Framework to ensure your concerns are never dismissed

The Reality: Why This Matters for Us

When we talk about health equity, colorectal cancer is a major part of the conversation. According to the American Cancer Society (2024), Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.

There are many reasons for this, including:

• Systemic Barriers: Less access to high-quality healthcare and healthy food options.
• Screening Gaps: Black women are sometimes screened later or receive less follow-up care after an abnormal result.
• Medical Bias: Concerns about digestive pain or “bathroom issues” are sometimes minimized by providers.

The good news? Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. In fact, the survival rate is about 91% if the cancer is found before it spreads. This is why awareness and self-advocacy are your greatest superpowers.

Recognizing the “Silent” Symptoms

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. Often, it begins as a small growth called a polyp. Not all polyps are cancerous, but over time, some can turn into cancer. Because polyps don’t usually cause pain, you have to be a “detective” for your own health.

Pay close attention if you notice:

• Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even when you get enough sleep, which can be caused by internal blood loss (anemia).
• A Change in Bowel Habits: This could be diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days.
• Rectal Bleeding: Bright red blood or very dark/black stools (which can indicate blood higher up).
• Abdominal Pain: Persistent cramping, gas, or pain that doesn’t go away.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying.

The New Golden Rule: 45 is the New 50

In the past, doctors told everyone to start colon cancer screenings at age 50. However, because cases are rising in younger people, the CDC and the American Cancer Society now recommend that adults at average risk start regular screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), you may need to start even earlier. Knowledge of your family history is power—it’s protection.

Advocacy in Action: Using the ROOT Framework

Navigating the healthcare system can feel like walking through a maze. Our ROOT Framework™ is designed to give you a clear map to follow during your doctor’s appointments. Here is how to apply it to colorectal health:

R – Reveal What’s Going On

The first step is self-awareness. Don’t ignore “small” changes.

• Action: Keep a “stomach diary” for two weeks. Note what you eat, when you go to the bathroom, and any pain or bleeding you see.
• Goal: Recognize that your body’s signals are valid and deserve a real investigation, not a “wait and see” approach.

O – Offer Your Observations

When you sit down with your provider, be specific. Instead of saying, “My stomach hurts,” try saying, “I have had sharp cramping in my lower left side four times this week, and I noticed blood in my stool on Tuesday”.

• Action: Share your diary or notes directly with the doctor.
• Goal: Become an active partner in the conversation, not just a passive patient.

O – Outline What You Need

This is where you ask for specific tests. If you are 45 or older or have symptoms, you have the right to request a screening.

• Action: Ask directly: “Based on my symptoms and family history, can we schedule a colonoscopy or a stool-based test?”
• Goal: Reclaim control over your care by defining what a “plan of action” looks like for you.

T – Take Note and Follow-Up

Don’t leave the office without a “next step.”

• Action: Write down the name of the test, where it will happen, and when you should expect results. If a doctor refuses a test, ask them to document that refusal in your medical record.
• Goal: Turn advocacy into an ongoing practice that builds a bridge of accountability between you and your provider.

Closing the Gap

Colorectal cancer doesn’t have to be a “silent” threat. By understanding the symptoms, knowing the screening age, and using your voice through the ROOT Framework, you are doing more than just protecting yourself—you are rising for your family and your community. You are the architect of your health. Don’t be afraid to demand the care and respect you deserve.

References

American Cancer Society. (2024). Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023-2025. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-figures.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Colorectal cancer screening tests. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Colorectal cancer disparities in African Americans. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/disparities

Wolf, A. M. D., et al. (2018). Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(4), 250-281. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21457