5 myths about colorectal cancer 

Let’s talk about butts! Maybe it’s because of the embarrassment or aversion to being crude, but you don’t always hear about colorectal cancer as much as other cancer types. As a result, there are a lot of misconceptions out there that need to be busted, which is exactly what we’re doing today. Here are five common myths about colorectal cancer—and the bottom line you need to know.

1. MYTH: If I have polyps, I have cancer.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum that occurs when polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the large intestine) become cancerous. Not all polyps progress into cancer, but there’s no way to tell which polyps will become cancer, so it’s best to have them removed. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy, so you don’t need to undergo surgery to remove them.

2. MYTH: I’m younger than 50, so I don’t need to think about colorectal cancer.

While 50 USED to be the age to start screening for colorectal cancer, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45 in 2021. So, if you’re 45 or older, it’s time to talk to your health care provider about screening.

Most people think that colorectal cancer affects only older adults—but today, more adults under age 45 are being diagnosed than ever before. According to the Institut national du cancer (NCI), the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than age 50 has doubled since the 1990s. NCI estimates that by 2030, approximately one in 10 colon cancers and one in four rectal cancers will be diagnosed in people under age 50. It’s important for all adults to learn about colorectal cancer prevention and early detection, and the signs and symptoms of the disease—even if you think you’re too young for this sh*t. It’s up to you to advocate for your health.

3. MYTH: I have to suffer through an awful colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

A colonoscopy is not so bad! Prevent Cancer Foundation staff members Henri et Sarah each shared their stories to show it’s not as awful as some say it is. To prepare for a colonoscopy, you need to fast and take a laxative—which aren’t the most comfortable things, but affect you for only one day. The procedure itself is not painful. It’s recommended that you’re sedated, so you won’t feel any unpleasantness.

If you’re dreading a colonoscopy, there are other screening options for colorectal cancer, like stool-based tests you can take at home. The best screening is the one that gets done, so talk with your health care provider about your options to select the right screening for you.

4. MYTH: Only men need to worry about colorectal cancer.

Le Société américaine du cancer estimates that in the United States in 2025 there will be 82,460 diagnoses of colorectal cancer in men and 71,810 in women. While it’s true that more men are diagnosed, that’s also a lot of colorectal cancers in women! It’s important to get screened starting at age 45 and to be aware of the signs and symptoms, regardless of your gender or biological sex.

5. MYTH: If I don’t have symptoms, I probably don’t need to get screened.

Actually, in most colorectal cancer cases, there are not symptoms at all until later stages. With routine screening, you can detect cancer early—avant signs or symptoms appear.

When cancer is detected early, it means more treatment options, more healthy days ahead and more time with the people you love. And if you get routine colonoscopies, you even have the chance to prevent cancer by removing polyps right then and there. (Other screening options can also help you detect cancer early or find precancerous conditions.  You should follow up on any abnormal results with a colonoscopy.) Remember, Early Detection = Better Outcomes!

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What myths surprised you? Make sure to check out more information on screening and always talk to a health care provider about your questions.