March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colon & Rectal Cancer Awareness: A Call to Action for WOC Nurses

As Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses, we stand at a unique intersection of prevention, early recognition, and long-term survivorship care. March’s focus on colon and rectal cancer awareness is more than a public health campaign—it’s a reminder of the critical role we play in educating, advocating, and supporting patients across the continuum of care. With colorectal cancer screening guidelines now recommending routine screening beginning at age 45, our voice has never been more essential.

Why This Matters Now

Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable and most treatable when detected early. The shift in screening age—from 50 down to 45—reflects a troubling trend: rising incidence among younger adults. As clinicians who routinely assess perineal skin, bowel patterns, ostomy function, and changes in continence, we are often the first to notice subtle red flags that warrant further evaluation.

Our patients trust us. They confide in us. And they rely on us to guide them toward evidence-based decisions that protect their health and dignity.

The Power of Early Detection

The message is simple and powerful: colorectal cancer is highly treatable when found early. Screening can identify precancerous polyps long before symptoms appear. When

cancer is detected at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Yet too many individuals delay screening due to fear, stigma, misinformation, or lack of access.

WOC nurses can help break down these barriers by normalizing conversations about bowel health, encouraging screening at age 45, and reinforcing that early detection saves lives. Whether we are teaching ostomy self-care, managing IAD, or supporting patients with chronic bowel dysfunction, we have countless opportunities to weave screening reminders into routine care.

Our Role in Prevention and Education

WOC nurses are natural educators. We translate complex information into practical, compassionate guidance. When it comes to colorectal cancer awareness, our influence extends far beyond the clinic or bedside.

Here are key ways we can lead:

· Normalize bowel health conversations. Many patients hesitate to discuss changes in stool patterns, bleeding, or pain. Our comfort with these topics helps reduce stigma and opens the door to timely evaluation.

· Promote screening at 45. Reinforce that this is the new standard—not optional, not “only if something is wrong,” but a routine part of preventive care.

· Identify risk factors. Family history, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, smoking, and certain dietary patterns all increase risk. We can help patients understand their personal risk profile.

· Support survivorship. For patients living with a colostomy or recovering from colorectal surgery, we provide the specialized care that restores independence, dignity, and quality of life.

· Advocate for equitable access. Screening disparities persist across racial, socioeconomic, and rural populations. As WOC nurses, we can champion access to screening and follow-up care for all communities.

Connecting Continence Care to Cancer Awareness

Our continence assessments often reveal early warning signs that might otherwise be overlooked. Persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained rectal bleeding, new-onset constipation, or worsening fecal incontinence warrant further evaluation. While these symptoms are not always cancer-related, they should never be dismissed.

By integrating cancer awareness into continence care, we reinforce a holistic approach that prioritizes prevention, early recognition, and patient empowerment.

A Shared Responsibility—and a Shared Opportunity

Colon and rectal cancer awareness is not a once-a-year message. It is a year-round commitment to education, prevention, and compassionate care. As WOC nurses, we are uniquely positioned to influence outcomes through our expertise, our advocacy, and our trusted relationships with patients and families.

Encourage screening. Normalize the conversation. Recognize early signs. Support survivors. And continue to lead with the clinical excellence and human connection that define our specialty.

Together, we can help reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and ensure that more individuals benefit from early detection and life-saving treatment.