No matter your genetic history, doctors recommend EVERYONE 45 and older get screened. Thanks for reminding us, @katiecouric.

"In November of 2025, I went to my primary care physician because I was having nearly constant stomach pain and blood in my stool. I was given a take-home stool test, and a referral to the GI that visits our small town a few times a month. I was originally given an appointment about 4 months away, but got a call within a week of my initial presentation to my PCP that there was an appointment that had opened that week with the GI. I was swiftly scheduled for a colonoscopy and assured that it shouldn’t be anything serious like cancer that was causing my symptoms. At my small-town hospital, they have a little surgery department. A kind, older nurse held my hand as they placed my IV in my tricky veins. Shortly after I regained consciousness, the doctor came in and said, “we actually think we found cancer.” I cried a lot the next few days as I waited for the appointments to be scheduled, and the biopsies from my colonoscopy to come back. I stayed home from work, because how could I just sit in my office knowing I probably have cancer? By my birthday in February, it was confirmed I had adenocarcinoma, I was scheduled for surgery to remove the part of my colon where the tumor was, and there was a plan in place if pathology came back with a stage III or IV diagnosis. It was stage III. I recovered from surgery, got my port placed for chemo, and our dog got sick with pneumonia. The day before I started chemotherapy, the vet called and said treatments had stopped working, and our dog was suffering. We had to put him down. I started chemo the next day, wishing our little buddy was there to hang out with me on the couch as I got pumped full of drugs. I just finished 12 rounds of 5FU, and 10 rounds of Oxaliplatin in September. Early in my treatments, I had to keep a list of “things to look forward to after treatment” to keep my spirits up. We got to start crossing things off the list a couple of weeks ago, and it’s been amazing." - Jess E. Learn more about colorectal cancer screening options + take a short quiz at getscreened.org.

"In January 2024, at 46 years old, I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. What still amazes me is that I had undergone a colonoscopy only a few months earlier, and somehow, my cancer was missed. We still don’t know how. By the time I was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread to my liver. I underwent major surgery to remove the colon tumor and a portion of my liver, and for a while, I hoped that would be the end of my story. But just three months later it appeared in my lungs. Since my diagnosis, I have faced multiple surgeries, countless scans, procedures, and 37 rounds of chemotherapy. Most recently, the cancer traveled to my brain, requiring another surgery to remove the tumor. I continue to battle as hard as I can for my 8-year-old daughter and hope for more breakthroughs. I am incredibly grateful to be treated at USC, where I have an amazing oncology team and an oncologist I trust and love deeply. This journey has changed me in ways I never expected. I don’t take a single day or moment for granted. I’m still here, still battling, and still hopeful for what comes next." - Susan F. Your support of colorectal cancer research leads to more breakthroughs for families like Susan’s. Learn more by visiting crcancer.org/Cure-26-X

At 16, Jenny Trefzger told a doctor about rectal bleeding and was sent home without answers. Seven years later, routine bloodwork for her gender-affirming care led to a colorectal cancer diagnosis, and odds that gave her a 15% chance of reaching five years. That date came and went. Now five years with no evidence of disease, Jenny opens up about the signs that were missed, being “trained to tolerate” pain as an autistic patient, and why she believes the patient belongs on the medical team. Read more of Jenny's story on our blog: crcancer.org/Blog-JennyTrefz… This article is supported by @Amgen.

A weekend of music, golf, and giving back! 🎶🏌️‍♂️ Contractors Against Cancer brought 300 concert guests and more than 100 golfers together at Congressional Country Club, raising more than $820K and counting to support the Alliance’s mission. Thank you to every guest, golfer, volunteer, and supporter who made this weekend so special. Your generosity helps more people get screened, supports patients through treatment, and funds innovative research to end colorectal cancer. A special thank-you to our sponsors, Thos. Somerville Co. and A. O. Smith, for helping make it all possible!

The FDA has approved Tecentriq with chemotherapy after surgery for some people with stage III colon cancer whose tumors test dMMR. In the ATOMIC trial, 86% of people who received Tecentriq plus chemotherapy were living without their cancer returning at three years, compared with 76% who received chemotherapy alone. Ask your care team whether your tumor was tested for dMMR and whether this treatment could be an option for you. The Alliance’s free Helpline is here to help: (877) 422-2030. Read more on our blog 👉 crcancer.org/Blog-Tecentriq

In a new Georgetown University feature, Dr. John Marshall, the Alliance’s chief medical consultant, reflects on the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer and the urgent need to better understand its causes, accelerate clinical trials, and develop more precise treatments. Through initiatives like KLEOS, Dr. Marshall and the Alliance are working to move promising treatments forward faster, because patients cannot afford to wait. @marshalj23 Read more 👉 bit.ly/Georgetown-KLEOS

"In February 2024, at 44 years old, I experienced severe stomach pain that led me to the emergency room. I was told my colon was swollen and to follow up with my GI doctor. A month later, a colonoscopy changed my life: I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB colon cancer. Two weeks later, I underwent surgery to remove the mass. I began chemotherapy in May 2024 and completed treatment in July, ringing the bell surrounded by family and friends. I celebrated by traveling to Greece and Italy, believing I was finally moving forward. Three months later, scans showed that the cancer had spread to my liver. I continued chemotherapy through December 2024 and underwent liver surgery in January 2025. After months of good scans, new testing in August 2025 revealed another occurrence in my liver and a nodule in my lung. I faced more chemotherapy, lung surgery, radiation, and liver ablation. By April 2026, those areas had been treated. Now, in September 2026, I am facing chemotherapy again. There is a nodule in my left lung and two lesions in my liver. Yet through every diagnosis, surgery, treatment, setback, and loss, I have persevered. My husband has walked beside me through every chapter—surgeries, chemotherapy, uncertainty, tears, and difficult news. My mother was also one of my greatest sources of strength. She passed away in May 2026, shortly after my liver ablation. I miss her deeply, but I carry the strength and lessons she gave me. Cancer has taught me to protect my peace, appreciate every day, and remember that a diagnosis does not define my story. Through it all, my faith has carried me when I could not carry myself. My story is still being written, and as long as I have breath, I will continue to stand, move forward, and encourage others." - Ramona M. Support the future of colorectal cancer research — visit crcancer.org/Cure-26-X

Colorectal cancer affects more than physical health. Patients, survivors, and caregivers may experience fear, anxiety, grief, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. No one should have to navigate those feelings alone. On World Mental Health Day, we’re reminding you that asking for support is a sign of strength. Save the Alliance’s Helpline number and call 877-422-2030, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, to connect with a member of our Cancer Care Team. You don’t have to do this alone. #WorldMentalHealthDay

"When anyone with a philanthropic streak seeks my advice, I ask them one question: 'Do you have a donor-advised fund?' I only ever hear two answers. 'Yes, and I love it.' Or, 'What's that?' A donor-advised fund, or DAF, makes giving easy, efficient, and effective. You contribute cash or stock, get the tax benefits, and support causes you care about, right from your phone. As chair of Fidelity Charitable, I can tell you it's a great way to give, both for you and for the charities. On this DAF Day, I'm asking you to support a charity that's close to my heart — the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. A year ago, my routine colonoscopy found stage III colorectal cancer. And just months before that, my son-in-law was diagnosed at the same stage. He's doing well now, but I'm 65 and he's 36. That's not OK. This disease is striking younger people, and we have to find out how to stop it. We were lucky to get excellent care, fast. Not everyone is. When I looked at the impact the Colorectal Cancer Alliance makes for every dollar raised, I thought it was impossible. Its research, patient support, and prevention programs are why I joined its Board of Directors. If you care about cancer, there's no better place to give. It's not even close. So start a DAF today, or recommend a grant from the one you have. Either way, imagine what the Alliance could do with even more support." - Lenny M. Learn more about Donor Advised Funds (DAF) 👉 crcancer.org/DAF

Biomarkers matter, and here’s why. Biomarkers are biological clues like DNA, proteins, or genetic mutations that can be measured in your blood or tumor tissue. They help doctors understand what makes your cancer unique and guide decisions about the best treatments for your situation. How are they tested? Biomarker testing is done through a tissue biopsy (taking a sample from the tumor) or a liquid biopsy (a blood draw). These samples go to a lab and are analyzed for specific changes that your care team can use to personalize your treatment. Why it’s so important? Knowing your biomarker profile can help doctors: • Choose treatments most likely to work for you • Avoid treatments that may not be effective • Determine if targeted therapies or clinical trials are options • Understand how your cancer might behave over time Read more about the NRAS Biomarker: crcancer.org/NRAS-Biomarker Read more about the KRAS Biomarker: crcancer.org/KRAS-Biomarker Thank you to @AmgenOncology for supporting the development of this content.

"I got screened because I turned 45 this year, as it was highly recommended. My husband completed his screening two years ago, so seeing him go through it made me more comfortable scheduling mine. While preparing, I searched for firsthand colonoscopy experiences—so I’m glad this page exists! Working from home on my clear-liquid day helped, and I drank the prescription prep very cold, over ice, while watching TV. My husband handled the kids while I “went away” to prep. LOL. I felt full and a little nauseated at first, but once the prep started working, I felt better. A nurse suggested applying Vaseline beforehand, and I also used Preparation H wipes. Both helped me avoid pain or burning. My prep was split into two parts, so I woke up at 2:30 a.m. for the second round. By 8 a.m., I was headed to my colonoscopy. I was tired and crabby, but otherwise felt fine. The staff provided so much comfort and care. The procedure felt like it was over in seconds. When I woke up, I had apple juice and crackers—my first food in more than a day—and learned that everything looked great! I highly recommend getting screened. If possible, take two days off: one for prep and one for the procedure and recovery. Take care of yourself and give yourself the time. I don’t have to go back for 10 years, and I’m pretty happy about that!" - Monica If you're 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Learn more and take a short screening quiz to receive personalized screening options based on your individual risk factors by visiting getscreened.org.

Seattle showed up in a big way! Together, our walkers, volunteers, fundraisers, and supporters raised more than $100K. Thank you for every step taken and every dollar raised in support of the Alliance's mission! 🚶‍♀️ Learn more about the Walk to End Colon Cancer and find one near you by visiting bit.ly/2026WECC. We're grateful to our generous sponsors, Topaz Diagnostics and @Optum, for making this day possible. And a special thank-you to Jean-Marcus Strole Photography for beautifully capturing the day 📸

Boost colorectal cancer screening rates with practical, evidence-based strategies. Join this expert-led session designed for primary care teams to explore CRC screening guideline updates, invasive vs. non-invasive test options, and ways to tailor risk-based screening based on patient eligibility, preference, and clinical setting. medlive.com/hcp/show/25-12-1… Learn how to close screening gaps and improve outcomes for the patients you serve. #ColorectalCancer #CRCScreening #PrimaryCare #CancerPrevention #HealthEquity #PatientCare

October 3rd is Ostomy Awareness Day! Did you know that around 1 million people in the United States live with an ostomy? About 1 in every 500 Americans received a life-saving ostomy surgery, and approximately 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed each year. Ostomies save lives — let’s normalize them! Learn more about ostomies at crcancer.org/ostomy #WorldOstomyDay #OstomyAwarenessDay #OstomyAwareness

Abbott and Freenome have officially launched SimpleScreen CRC, a new blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. Every new screening option is an opportunity to remind people that getting checked can save lives. But more options only help when people understand what each test can and cannot do. Through our Screen Smart initiative, the Alliance guides patients using U.S. Preventive Services Task Force A and B recommendations, which reflect the strongest available evidence and determine which screenings insurers are required to cover. Here’s what you should know: 👉 Colonoscopy remains the gold standard. It is the only screening test that can find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, helping stop cancer before it starts. 👉 Stool-based tests are proven, at-home options for average-risk adults who do not have symptoms or additional risk factors. Multitarget stool DNA tests such as Cologuard detect 43% of precancers, multitarget stool RNA tests such as ColoSense detect 41.3%, and high-quality FIT tests detect 24%. Cologuard and FIT are also widely covered by insurance. 👉 Blood-based tests are not substitutes for colonoscopy or stool-based screening. They should be considered for patients who would otherwise decline those recommended options, not as a first choice. No matter which screening method is used, one rule remains the same: An abnormal stool- or blood-based test must be followed by a colonoscopy. Learn more about your screening options + take a short quiz at getscreened.org.

Targeted therapies are transforming cancer care, yet many patients never receive the biomarker testing that could reveal more effective, potentially less toxic treatment options. That urgency is driving KLEOS, the Alliance’s adaptive clinical trial platform. By evaluating multiple promising colorectal cancer therapies more efficiently and expanding access to cutting-edge options, KLEOS aims to move breakthroughs from the lab to patients faster—because innovation only matters when patients can benefit from it. Read this article from @nytimes to learn why too many patients are missing out on groundbreaking treatments and what needs to change: bit.ly/NYT-NewCancerDrugs

Today is the last day to double your impact! Every gift to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. Your support helps fund promising research and move new treatments closer to patients. Give today while your gift counts twice 👉 bit.ly/WCRD2026-X

Andy nearly canceled the colonoscopy that found his stage III rectal cancer. At 38, he felt healthier than ever. He played basketball, trained jiu-jitsu, lifted weights, and ate a plant-based diet. So when he occasionally noticed blood in his stool, he dismissed it. A routine doctor’s appointment changed everything. Today, after chemotherapy and surgery, Andy has had a complete response and is sharing his story in hopes that someone else will listen to their body and take action. Read how a chain of small decisions helped save Andy’s life: bit.ly/Blog-ColonoscopySaved… Have questions or need support? Give us a call on our free helpline at 877-422-2030.

A colorectal cancer screening kit showed up at your door... now what? The Alliance, in partnership with @Cologuard, has launched a new online hub explaining why eligible adults may receive use-at-home screening tests from their health plans, how the process works, and what steps to take next. Screening can help find colorectal cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable. Get clear, trusted answers at crcancer.org/screenhub.

"I am one of the lucky people where the lower age for screening colonoscopies saved my life. I had been experiencing some bleeding, but after learning I had hemorrhoids and having no other symptoms, I figured that was the cause. My grandfather died of colorectal cancer in 1991, so I knew I would get my prevention screening at age 45. During my first colonoscopy, the doctor found a polyp over 5 cm in my colon. Tissue samples showed it was a precancerous tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. I had an endoscopic submucosal dissection on a Tuesday morning. They kept me overnight for monitoring, but I was home Wednesday evening and went about my day on Thursday. That evening, I took a turn for the worse. I developed severe stabbing abdominal pain, and when it didn’t respond to Advil, we went to the ER. A CT scan showed a small perforation at the polyp removal site, so I needed emergency surgery to remove nine inches of my sigmoid colon on Friday morning. Since the pathology from the earlier procedure wasn’t back yet, the surgical team also removed lymph nodes and surrounding tissue just in case. Being in the hospital for five days and adjusting to a temporary ileostomy was challenging, but thankfully all pathology reports on the polyp, colon tissue, and lymph nodes came back negative for cancer. The polyp was heading in that direction, so I’m incredibly thankful screening caught it early. While the endoscopic removal would have been an easier recovery, I’m grateful everything was removed, and I’m hopeful to return to my active life with my husband and kids soon. As an added bonus, I’m enrolled in a study developing a blood test to detect colon polyps. I hope my data helps in the future, and I hope the Colorectal Cancer Alliance continues pushing for early screenings to save more lives!" - Bethany M. Through September 30, every gift to the Alliance will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. Donate today to double your impact and support colorectal cancer research 👉 bit.ly/WCRD2026-X