March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time for raising awareness and promoting proactive health choices. At the University of Louisville School of Medicine, faculty members like, Russ Farmer, M.D., senior associate dean of curriculum and associate professor of colon and rectal surgery, emphasizes the importance of early detection and advancements in diagnostic procedures that significantly reduce the threat of this disease.

Colorectal cancer ranks second in cancer-related deaths in the United States, following closely behind lung cancer.  In 2024, the American Cancer Society noted it remained a major health concern nationwide, with Kentucky notably leading in colorectal cancer cases per capita. Although many people know someone or have close family affected by the disease, social stigmas prevent us from discussing the disease or receiving regular screenings.

Despite the alarming rates of colorectal cancer in Kentucky and across the United States, screenings for colorectal cancer save lives every day. When colorectal cancer is caught in early stages, it is curable, which is why regular screening is key. Colonoscopies, the standard screening for colorectal cancer, also double as preventative procedures, as polyps removed during colonoscopies that may be precancerous can be addressed early.

In his clinical role as a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Farmer works with patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, most of which he says can be cured of their cancer through surgery, though he works with a full team of providers to ensure patients receive cutting edge cancer treatment from all aspects of cancer care. “It’s so gratifying to be able to meet a patient, establish a relationship and say ‘I know this is a scary time with a scary disease, but we are going to work together to cure your cancer. You’re going to live a long and happy life!” Dr. Farmer remarked.

Surgery for colorectal cancer has become much less invasive yet much more advanced, according to Dr. Farmer. Innovative techniques and even robotics have minimized downtime and now allow patients to return to normal function much quicker. In fact, many of these surgeries are now so minimal, they are compared to the removal of a gallbladder or appendix. Treatments are becoming far more customized, thanks to genetic testing that allows doctors to understand both the genes of each patient and the genetic markers at tumor presentation.

Dr. Farmer reiterates the fact that a colorectal cancer diagnosis is not the end of a patient’s life. When diagnosed correctly and early, colorectal cancer is routinely cured with excellent outcomes, and the risk of a colonoscopy is lower for patients than their risk of driving to work every day.

The United States Preventative Services Taskforce (USPSTF) recommends screening for adults aged 45-75 years. Colonoscopies should be performed every five years, or every ten years for those not at a high risk. Alternatively, a Fecal Immunocult Test (FIT) should be conducted annually. Those experiencing symptoms between screenings should talk to their provider about their risk.

ULSOM is working to attack colorectal cancer from a number of different fronts. In addition to education, screenings, awareness, and surgery through faculty members like Dr. Farmer, the Department of Surgery is leading research initiatives to increase understanding of colorectal cancer. Dr. Galandiuk is leading a team that studies the development of tumors, while Dr. Sandy Kavalukas is studying possible reasons for the abnormally high rate of colorectal cancer in Kentucky when compared to other states.

As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month concludes, ULSOM echoes Dr. Farmer’s sentiments. If you are not up to date on your colorectal cancer screening, we encourage you to talk to your provider about this diagnostic and preventative procedure that could save your life. It is time to break the stigma.