Black Americans face the highest colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates of any racial/ethnic group in the US, with 20% higher incidence and 40% higher death rates than white Americans, according to the American Cancer Society.
Over 20,000 new cases occur annually. Disparities include higher rates of early-onset CRC and later-stage diagnoses, causing earlier screening.
Aligned with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Nonprofit Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) has launched “Weird Looking Stools,” a statewide awareness campaign using unexpected art to normalize and prompt life-saving conversations about colon cancer and increase voluntary check-ups.
CEO and President of Georgia CORE, Lynn Durham, said colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer in Georgia and in the country.
“That alone says we need to make sure people are aware they need to be screened, or if they have symptoms, they need to be checked,” Durham said.
Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society.
It’s expected to cause about 55,230 deaths during 2026. By 2030, colon cancer is projected to become the number one cancer killer for people under 50. The incidence of early-onset cases (diagnosed under age 50) is rising, yet many Georgians remain unaware of key symptoms and the importance of screening.
The stools depict symptoms such as:
· Blood in stools
· Abdominal pain, anemia, or unexplained weight loss
· Narrow or pencil-thin stools
Additionally, Durham says people should be aware of blood in the stool, skinny, tarry stools, and be comfortable looking at their stools to check for signs. She also said to be mindful of constant abdominal pain, excessive thirst, losing weight for no reason, very loose, very watery, and pebble-like stools.
Durham also says if you are under 45, watch for symptoms and act if something feels off. If you are 45 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
“If you’re experiencing these symptoms for about two weeks and no change, act on it. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if caught early. This campaign is about making people stop, look, and act,” Durham says.
As far as prevention for people, Katrina Davis, senior program manager at Georgia CORE, says, according to the research, “be mindful of our diet.”
“People should make sure they have a well-rounded diet with fruits and vegetables,” she said. People also should focus on fiber, exercise, water, and being mindful of the symptoms, bowel habits, and if they look irregular after a few weeks, it’s time to see a doctor and get further assessed.
Although there isn’t any solid evidence yet, Durham says processed foods like sausages, bacon, processed meats, red meat, and heavy alcohol consumption could play a significant role in the cause of colorectal cancer.
“I’m not saying take it out of your diet totally, but cut it back to one or two days a week, because all of that processed meat, red meats, processed foods that can absolutely cause issues and make you at higher risk for colon cancer, as well as alcohol,” she said.
Furthermore, Davis, whose father passed away from colorectal cancer in 2010 in his early 50s, says it encouraged her to get a colonoscopy at 35 years old.
“There was no prior family history of colorectal cancer in my family, but my dad was diagnosed at stage three and passed away several months after being diagnosed,” she said. “I advocated for myself with my primary care doctor to go ahead and get a colonoscopy as a preventative measure to make sure I was fine.”
According to Davis, doctors found a non-cancerous polyp and removed it, but she uses this to encourage people, even if they’re underage, to inquire about their family history because time is of the essence.
For more information, visit georgiacancer.org/georgia-core.