Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity

Colorectal Cancer: It’s Preventable

Estimated cases of colorectal cancer are expected to top 153,000 in 2023, with more than 52,000 people dying from the disease. These figures include a rapidly growing number of adults younger than 55 who are being diagnosed with – and dying from – colorectal cancer.

Our key message during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is that regular screening tests can prevent this common cancer from ever occurring – or catch it at an early stage, when it’s most treatable.

Making healthy lifestyle choices, reporting unusual symptoms to your doctor, and knowing your family cancer history can also reduce your colorectal cancer risks.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer – often called colon cancer – is a disease that starts in the lower part of the digestive system. It happens when cells in the lining of the colon or rectum grow out of control.

How does screening help?

Screening for colorectal cancer does two important things: It prevents cancer by allowing your doctor to find and remove abnormal growths, or polyps, that could turn into colon or rectal cancer over time. And it also helps spot cancer, if it’s present, so that appropriate treatment can begin. Regular screenings make it possible to find cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.

A variety of screening options are available – including colonoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy, and stool-based tests. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each test and find the option that will work best for you.

At what age should I get screened?

Until recently, adults at average risk for colorectal cancer were advised to get their first screening at age 50. But with the significant rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, those recommendations have changed. Now, patients at average risk for colorectal cancer are advised to start screening at age 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps might need to screen earlier. It’s important to discuss your personal health history and your family cancer history with your doctor to determine the age that you should start or stop screening.

How can I learn more?

In the following video, UT Southwestern cancer experts explain everything you need to know about colorectal cancer screening options and the latest treatments. Also in the video: Special guest Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, describes how a colonoscopy saved her life.

Where can I get screened at UT Southwestern?

To connect with screening resources at UT Southwestern – including free or low-cost options – contact our Cancer Answer Line at 833-722-6237 or CancerAnswerLine@utsouthwestern.edu.

Foods That Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

A diet rich in whole grains and fiber from plant foods is good for colon health and can reduce your risk for colon cancer. But what are some tasty, budget-friendly ways to include those foods in your daily menu? Above, UT Southwestern registered dietitian and culinary medicine specialist Milette Siler shares her breakfast, snack, and dinner recommendations with WFAA health and wellness reporter Sonia Azad.

UTSW Clinical Trial Sets the Stage for New Kidney Cancer Standard of Care

Researchers in UT Southwestern’s Kidney Cancer Program recently completed the first clinical trial for patients with untreated oligometastatic kidney cancer – where the cancer has spread to just a few sites.

The phase 2 clinical trial tested whether stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) – a treatment that delivers strong, narrow beams of radiation to tumors – could control oligometastatic kidney cancer in at least 60% of patients at one year.

The study was successful, showing 90% of patients achieved disease control at one year without systemic therapy. Additionally, none of the patients experienced serious side effects or reported negative impact on their quality of life.

Next, the UT Southwestern team will launch a large phase 3 randomized clinical trial with the aim of establishing, for the first time, a standard of care for patients with oligometastatic kidney cancer.

To learn more about UT Southwestern’s kidney cancer clinical trials and the benefits of participating, visit Clinical Trials - UTSW Kidney Cancer Program. Or search here for available trials.

Let’s Talk About It: LGBTQ Cancer Awareness

For 20 years, the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health has hosted National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week to spotlight key health issues for LGBTQ communities and to promote accessible, affirming care. In this month’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, we’re continuing the conversation. Listen in as Community Outreach intern Faris Aschalew asks UT Southwestern researcher Megan Mullins, Ph.D., about her efforts to collect sexual orientation and gender identity information in order to more equitably serve LGBTQ+ cancer patients.

Free Screenings and Community Events

Free Mammograms – Moncrief Mobile Screening Clinic

UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute is taking its mobile clinic to the following locations in March to provide mammograms for uninsured women who qualify. Call 817-288-9970 to schedule an appointment on one of the following dates.

March 21

YMCA Cooper

7120 S. Cooper Street

Arlington, TX 76001

March 25

Como Community Center

4660 Horne Street

Fort Worth, TX 76107

March 28

Bedford YMCA

2801 Forest Ridge Drive

Bedford, TX 76021

March 29

White Settlement ISD

8041 Gibbs Drive

White Settlement, TX 76108

March 19 – Colon Cancer Coalition’s Get Your Rear in Gear® 5K Run/Walk – Trinity Park, Fort Worth, TX

March 23 – UTSW Science Café – Cancer Genetics: Precision Medicine and Cancer Prevention – 7 p.m., Zoom

Hear Jason Park, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory at Children’s Health, and Kelsey Moriarty, M.S., Certified Genetic Counselor at Simmons Cancer Center, discuss cancer prevention and treatment through the lens of cancer genetics and personalized precision medicine. Register here.

March 26 – Colon Cancer Foundation’s Colon Cancer Challenge and Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Join teams of families, friends, and co-workers across the country to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, support those battling the disease, and raise funds for outreach and research. Find a team here.

April 22 – 2 Miles of Smiles: Skydiving for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Companions – Whitewright, TX

Cancer patients/survivors and a companion are invited to apply here to go on a fully funded tandem skydive with licensed instructors.

Visit the Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity to learn more about our mission to reduce the cancer burden in North Texas and promote equity in cancer prevention, care, and outcomes through research, education, and engagement, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse, rural, and other underserved communities.

See how you can join us!

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For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu.