Catching Colorectal Cancer Early: Screening Saves a Life 

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, promoting preventive screenings, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.  

It was established in 2000 to educate the public about the importance of early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  

“Colorectal cancer affects millions and can be deadly if not caught in a timely manner. This underscores the importance of annual physicals with your primary care provider for screening and early detection. Symptoms of colorectal cancer in its advanced stages may include changes in bowel habits, blood in or on your stool, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss,” says Alicia Bacchus, DNP, assistant professor at Columbia University School of Nursing and a nurse practitioner (NP) at ColumbiaDoctors Nurse Practitioner Group (NPG). 

“The CDC recommends screenings, which look for precancerous lesions, for adults ages 45 to 75 every 5-10 years after their first at 45,” she adds.  

A recent screening recommended by Bacchus led to a potentially life-saving early diagnosis for one of her patients. In February 2024, Rudy Diaz, video producer at Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Office of Communications, visited Bacchus for his annual physical after learning about the NPG’s Care for the Caregiver Rapid Access program. The program provides employees with rapid access and convenient care as needed. 

After looking through his records, Bacchus noticed he was due for a colorectal cancer screening and alerted him. His Cologuard test, which checks for abnormal DNA and blood in the stool, came back positive. Bacchus recommended he have a colonoscopy to follow up. 

“After getting my results, I reached out to my extended family for support and information. I learned there was a family history,” Diaz says. 

Nine polyps were found and removed during his colonoscopy.  

“The colonoscopy revealed that these polyps could have become cancerous within five years,” he says, “My experience highlights the importance of not delaying your colorectal cancer screening and staying informed about your family history so you can take proactive steps before it's too late. I knew I needed to do it but wouldn’t have gotten it without the NP who pushed me to test.”