Colorectal Cancer is Quietly Rising in Women Here’s Why Screening at 45 Can’t Wait
According to the American Cancer Society, Colorectal (colon) cancer is now the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in women. And even though it’s one of the most preventable cancers, early detection and lifestyle habits can reduce the risk.
The importance of colon health
The colon plays a role in digestion, immune function, nutrient absorption, and waste removal. A healthy colon provides many benefits. Colon health affects everything from energy, hormones, longevity, and quality of life.*
What is colon cancer?
As reported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), colon cancer starts as a polyp growth inside the colon or rectum. Most polyps are non-cancerous and cause no pain, bleeding, or warning signs. Right-sided polyps, which are more common in women, grow on the ascending colon, an area harder to visualize and detect. Finding and removing the polyps can prevent them from growing into cancer.
Why women are at greater risk
AARP research shows that women are often caregivers and tend to neglect self-care. They can also fail to recognize the symptoms (change in bowel habits, blood in stool, or unexplained fatigue). Age, weight, smoking, diet, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle also increase the risk. And while women typically prioritize heart, breast, and reproductive health, the colon often gets ignored until something goes wrong.
Racial disparities and outcomes
African Americans experience higher colon cancer rates than White Americans — a disparity that directly affects African American women. African American patients have significantly worse survival rates:
57 months median survival (African American patients)
72 months median survival (White patients). This gap is driven by later diagnosis and unequal access, not biology.
Black patients have a 44% higher risk of death compared with White patients — a critical issue for Black women who often face insurance and access barriers before Medicare age.
African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, where survival drops sharply.
In equal‑access systems (like the VA), the survival gap shrinks to almost zero, proving the disparity is structural, not genetic.
Screening begins at 45, but Black women would benefit from earlier conversations with providers due to higher incidence and delayed diagnosis patterns.
Screening saves lives
A colonoscopy is the best screening option. It’s a procedure that detects and removes polyps. A stool test can detect blood or DNA changes but cannot remove polyps. Nearly half of all new colon cancers are now in adults under 65. About 1 in 3 cases are localized, but 2 in 20 are already at a distant stage (spread to other organs) at diagnosis – survival drops from 89% (localized) to 16% (distant) at 5 years. This means early-stage cancers have an excellent survival rate, and late-stage cancers have a poor survival rate.
Your next steps
Colon cancer rates have declined overall but are rising in younger women by nearly 3%. So, screening should be a top priority. Learn your family history regarding colon cancer, and if you’re 45+, schedule your first screening and encourage your friends to do the same. With early detection, women can make the outcomes more positive for themselves, their families, and their communities.
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Gail McShan-Elly is a content and grant writer specializing in health, careers, and financial empowerment. As founder of GrantBloom Creative & Content, she helps businesses communicate with clarity and impact. Contact her at grantbloomcreative@gmail.com.