March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the impact of colorectal cancer in our state and encourage screening to save lives.

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer diagnosed in Iowa and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 1,650 new cases and 550 deaths expected in 2025 alone (Iowa Cancer Registry)?.

Despite advances in prevention and treatment, Iowa continues to have a rate which exceeds the national average. This concerning trend underscores the urgent need for increased screening and education, especially in the communities we serve, including Fort Dodge, Mason City, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Dayton, and Spencer.

Colorectal cancer in our region: Where do we stand?

The 2017-2021 data from Cancer.gov show that colorectal cancer remains a significant health burden in Webster, Cerro Gordo, Wright, and Clay counties.

• Webster County (Fort Dodge, Dayton): Among the highest colorectal cancer rates among the surrounding counties, aligning with Iowa’s elevated statewide incidence?. Webster County saw an average of 23 new colorectal cancer cases per year, with a declining recent trend (approximately -2.8 percent per year)?

• Wright County (Eagle Grove, Clarion): Roughly on par with the state average. Wright County averaged eight new cases per year, with a downward incidence trend (-2.8 percent annually) in recent years?.

While the overall colorectal cancer rate in Iowa has stabilized, the incidence among younger adults is rising. This shift has prompted the American Cancer Society to lower the recommended screening age from 50 to 45.

More young adults are being diagnosed

One of the most troubling developments in recent years is the increase in colorectal cancer cases among Iowans under 50. This mirrors a national trend where younger adults–who traditionally were not considered high-risk–are now being diagnosed at higher rates and later stages?.

The reasons for this shift are still being studied, but possible factors include:

• Changes in diet and lifestyle habits.

• Higher rates of obesity and metabolic disorders.

• Differences in gut microbiome health.

• Lower screening rates in younger populations.

For years, colorectal cancer was considered an older adult disease, but this is no longer the case. In response, health officials now urge screening to begin at age 45, and even earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors?.

Why early detection matters

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable–but only if caught early. Right now, about 40 percent of cases in Iowa are detected at an early stage, when treatment is most effective?. However, many cases are still diagnosed too late, leading to poorer survival outcomes.

Consider the following:

• The five-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer is over 90 percent.

• Once it spreads to distant organs, survival drops to just 14 percent.

This is why screening is critical — detecting cancer before symptoms appear can prevent cancer from developing or catch it at an early, treatable stage.

Screening rates in Iowa: progress, but not enough

As of 2020, about 74 percent of eligible Iowans are up to date on colorectal cancer screening?. While this is slightly higher than the national average, it falls short of public health goals. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s initiative, “80 Percent in Every Community,” aims to push screening rates even higher, especially in rural areas?.

At Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, we are working to increase access to screenings through:

• Easy to use and private tests- simple, at home, non-invasive stool tests for early detection. Open the kit, follow included instructions, return test to office.

• Colonoscopy referrals — the gold standard for identifying and removing pre-cancerous polyps.

• Outreach programs to educate and remind patients about screening options.

Take action: what you can do

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — but only if people get screened. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we urge everyone to take these simple but life-saving steps:

• Get screened! If you are 45 or older, schedule your screening today.

• Know your risk. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about starting screenings even earlier.

• Watch for warning signs. Symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing stomach pain should never be ignored.

• Talk to your loved ones. Encourage friends and family members to get screened — it could save their lives.

Colorectal cancer does not have to be a deadly disease. By increasing awareness, access to screening, and early detection, we can reduce cancer rates and save lives right here in Iowa.

Talk to your healthcare provider today about screening — it could be the decision that saves your life.

Corey Crosby is a registered nurse and director of quality and risk management for the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.