Colorectal Cancer, Centered on Us

Real answers and tools for LGBTQIA+ communities

Colorectal cancer affects LGBTQIA+ communities in unique ways—but with the right information and support, it’s often preventable and highly treatable when caught early. This toolkit is here to meet you where you are, whether you’re thinking about screening, navigating a diagnosis, or supporting someone you love.

Inside, you’ll find guidance on lowering your risk, finding affirming providers, managing care, and accessing LGBTQIA+-specific support—along with insights and tips from people in our community who’ve been there. You deserve care that respects who you are.

Learn How to Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Preventative Care to the Front

If you’re 45 or older, there is a new kind of booty call you should DEFINITELY answer.

People of all genders should be screened for colorectal cancer.

If found early, doctors can often stop colorectal cancer.

Show the people how it’s done, preventative medicine is an act of self love.

Did You Know That Colorectal Cancer Can Mostly Be Prevented?

Cancer screenings have come a long way. Doctors can now find and remove precancerous polyps —abnormal growths in the colon or rectum— before they turn into cancer. These earlier stages of colorectal cancer usually prevent no symptoms, are easier to treat, and easier to survive.

The American Cancer Society estimates that the number of colon cancer deaths could drop by half if all Americans were routinely tested. Once you turn 45, it is incredibly important to get screened for colorectal cancer. Don’t wait until symptoms start, preventative care can save your life!

If Something Doesn’t Feel Right, Listen To Your Gut!

You know your body better than anyone else. Please don’t ignore the signs of colorectal cancer.

Pain in the abdomen
Blood in stool
Change in bowel habits
Constipation
Narrow stools
Passing excessive gas
Abdominal discomfort
Weight loss
Anemia
Fatigue

Resources

Unique Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Healthcare

Read Paula’s story about being on the colorectal cancer journey

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening among LGBTQIA+ Communities Brief

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

AACR – Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Details

Colorectal cancer screening in LGBTQIA+ people: an urgent call for equity

What's Inside This Toolkit:

Graphic #1 — “Your Health Is Power” A bold reminder that screening saves lives — and that LGBTQIA+ adults deserve access to the preventive care that makes that possible. Share this to encourage your community to get screened, ask questions, and own their health.

Graphic #2 — “Protect Your Bottom Line” A little humor, a lot of truth. This graphic cuts through the discomfort and gets straight to the point — routine screening can prevent colorectal cancer and catch it early. Perfect for breaking the ice in spaces where the topic feels hard to bring up.

Why It Matters:
LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique barriers to colorectal cancer screening — from lack of awareness, to distrust of healthcare systems, to outright discrimination. The result is later diagnoses and worse outcomes for our community. These graphics are a small but mighty tool in changing that.

Download. Co-brand. Share. Because your community deserves to know.

Tools You Can Use. Lives You Can Change.

We believe knowledge is power — and these resources put it directly in your hands.
The Cancer Network created these free, downloadable graphics to help you spread the word about colorectal cancer awareness in your communities, clinics, and care spaces. Whether you’re sharing with your staff, presenting to your advisory board, or posting on social media, these visuals are designed to spark conversation and encourage action.

Co-brand them. Share them. Make them yours.

Each graphic is ready to download and customize with your organization’s logo so your community knows the message is coming from a trusted source they already know and love.

Click the image below to download the toolkit graphics