(Providence, RI) – March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Care New England is raising awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. Yet it remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women under age 50.
Colorectal Cancer affects people of all ages, not just older adults. The recent death of actor James Van Der Beek underscores this reality. He passed away at age 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer and was just 46 when he was diagnosed, drawing renewed attention to the growing risk among younger adults.
Today, about 20% of all new colorectal cancer cases occur in people under age 55, compared to around 10% in the 1990s. This shift is one of the reasons the screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, or earlier for those with risk factors such as family history or certain medical conditions.
“Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early,” said Mariam Fayek, MD, AGAF, Division Director, Women & Infants Hospital Center for Women’s Gastrointestinal Health. “Routine screening, awareness of symptoms, and healthy lifestyle choices can truly save lives.” Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss, though many people experience no symptoms at all in the early stages.
This March, Care New England is hosting events to educate the community and encourage screening. On Friday, March 6, our CNE teams will participate in National Dress in Blue Day to raise awareness and show support for patients and families affected by colon cancer. Then on Sunday, March 15th, our CNE teams will host a Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Event at the Warwick Mall from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The event will provide information on screening, prevention, and early detection, and is designed to empower our community to take proactive steps toward better health. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
“Awareness months like this give us an important opportunity to start conversations that people may otherwise avoid,” said Dr. Fayek. “We want to make screening feel routine and accessible.”
For more information about colorectal cancer or screening options, visit: https://www.carenewengland.org/colon-and-rectal-surgery
About Care New England
Care New England Health System is a trusted organization advancing the future of care through leading medical research, nationally recognized clinical services, and innovative programs. As one connected system, CNE attracts top, specially trained physicians and clinicians, fosters collaboration across disciplines, and leads meaningful conversations about health, wellness, and end-of-life care.
Founded in 1996, Care New England brings together a network of respected organizations working together to better serve patients and the community. The system includes Butler Hospital, Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Care New England Medical Group, VNA Home Health and Hospice, The Providence Center, and Integra, a certified accountable care organization (ACO). Care New England includes 749 licensed beds and 102 infant bassinets. Care New England is proud of its strong commitment to education and research, and through Butler, Kent, and Women & Infants Hospitals, maintains a teaching and research affiliation with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Kent is also a teaching affiliate of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.