MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Colorectal cancer is the second most common form of the disease affecting both men and women in North Dakota. This month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about colorectal cancer. In the U.S., cases of the disease are rising among adults unde r the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Jesse Tran with HHS says there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. "Usually, the most common symptom is some sort of blood in the stool," Tran said. "That's a lot of times the most common factor, but some of the factors or symptoms that you often see aren't directly obvious. It might be, you know, changes in bowel movements and stuff like that, but, you know, there might be other factors. Tiredness, fatigue, things like that." In North Dakota, colorectal cancer has the second highest rate of late stage diagnosis at 35 percent, with only lung cancer being higher. This is why it is important to talk to health care providers about screening options. "The longer it takes to catch the symptoms and make a diagnosis, the worse your outcomes are," Tran said. "You want to catch things as early as possible. The more time you have to catch things, the better your outcome's going to be." State lawmakers vote to decriminalize HIV in North Dakota Regular screening is recommended beginning at age 45. Screening options mainly include taking a stool test, which can be done at home, or getting a colonoscopy. "With a colonoscopy, there is the potential to actually prevent cancer, because through a colonoscopy, you are visually inspecting the colon and removing any polyps that you find," Tran said. "So you can remove those polyps before they become cancerous." Over the years, studies have shown that there is a decrease in colorectal cancer in the older population because of the increase in screening, but Tran says that they have found an increase in diagnostics in the younger population. "There's a lot of different factors that come into it but that is a big reason why not too long ago, the screening guidelines were lowered to start screening at age 45 rather than age 50," Tran said. "So we really encourage that you start right away at age 45, and if you do have risk factors that increase your risk, whether it's family history or, you know, other conditions, it's really important to actually talk with your provider and perhaps start screening even earlier than 45 if you have an increased risk." Screening costs shouldn't be a barrier for anyone, which is why HHS offers a colorectal cancer screening program to help pay screening costs for those who can't afford it. People can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by maintaining a healthy weight and diet, being physically active, and avoiding or quitting smoking and not drinking a lot of alcohol. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less