According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 152,810 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2024, making it the fourth most common and second deadliest cancer in the United States. The average lifetime risk of CRC is 1 in 24.
The bright side? Colorectal cancer is both highly preventable and treatable, unlike most cancers. The earliest stage of CRC has a 91 percent five-year survival rate with treatment.
In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, MusiCares highlights preventive steps and resources for CRC patients, caregivers, and survivors.
Prevention
Screenings
The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is actually no symptoms, making it essential to get screened yearly starting at age 45. Do not wait until symptoms appear.
With early detection, CRC is highly treatable. In 2020, the CDC estimated that 68 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with prior screening.
"In 2015, I had a scheduled colonoscopy and I wonder to myself if I had kept that appointment, 'Would things be different?'" recalls CRC survivor/advocate Kathryn Shipley, a Nashville-based singer/songwriter who is also a member of the Recording Academy. "I will never know, but I am happy to say that after surgery, a resection of my colon, and four months of aggressive chemotherapy, Nov. 1, 2023 I was found NED (no evidence of disease). Please talk to your health care providers about CRC screening and learn more about colon health."
Visit quiz.getscreened.org for a free, personalized screening recommendation based on your individual risk factors.
Identify Unmodifiable Risk Factors
Unmodifiable risk factors are out of your control. Age, family history, certain conditions, and ethnicity are examples of nonmodifiable risk factors of colorectal cancer.
Most people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over 50 years old, but the rate of young-onset CRC is rising. Black Americans are 35 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 15 percent more likely to be diagnosed than non-hispanic white Americans. People who have a parent, sibling or children with colorectal cancer have two to four times the risk of developing CRC.
Those with unmodifiable risk factors are at a higher risk and may need to get routinely screened before age 45.
Reduce Your Risk
Smoking, obesity, poor diet and high alcohol consumption are modifiable risk factors of CRC. Eating healthy, not smoking, exercising, limiting red meat and alcohol intake, and adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet can reduce the risk of CRC.
Resources
Blue HQ is a free support service for both CRC patients and caregivers to explore personalized resources, connect with others in the community, track treatments and office visits, and access support from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Ally to Ally is a community message board for patients, caregivers, and survivors of CRC. Here you can connect and share experiences with those who uniquely understand your health journey.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Buddy Program
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance matches CRC patients, caregivers and survivors with a buddy who has had similar experiences in this peer-to-peer program. Many buddy pairs share helpful advice and grow meaningful long-term relationships.
If you are a music industry professional with at least 5 years paid industry employment or credits on at least 6 commercially released recordings, MusiCares may be able to help with CRC screening costs. Reach out to our team at musicaresrelief@musicares.org or call 800.687.4227 to learn more about how we can support your individual needs.
Raising CRC Awareness
"Everyone please remember this, only you can protect your overall health," Shipley adds. "Let's fight this together by spreading the word."
Shipley participated in her first Walk to End Colon Cancer in October 2023, a few months after her last chemo infusion. "It was an amazing day filled with stories and Hope! This is an annual event and continues to grow. This is a community event where over 10,000 people unite to raise funds and awareness of Colorectal Cancer."
The Colon Cancer Alliance is a great resource for those wanting to learn more about CRC and are interested in raising awareness. You can access social media toolkits and talking points for easy sharing at colorectalcancer.org.
With the music community's annual day of service, The Day That Music Cares, approaching on April 26, consider becoming a volunteer for the Alliance. Opportunities are available both locally and remotely.
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