Colorectal and anal cancers are highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Yet stigma keeps people from talking about them. That changes here.
Whether you're here because of symptoms, curiosity, or a loved one's experience... we've got you.
Blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained pain? Learn what to watch for and when to talk to your doctor.
See symptoms guideColorectal cancer is rising fastest in younger adults. You're not too young to pay attention... or get screened if you have risk factors.
Learn about early-onset CRCScreening is now recommended starting at 45. Not sure what your options are or what to expect? We break it all down.
Explore screening optionsLGBTQ+ communities face unique risks for both colorectal and anal cancers. Find affirming care, screening guidance, and support - whether you're looking to prevent, newly diagnosed, or a survivor.
LGBTQ+ resourcesWhether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or living as a survivor - you're not alone. Find support groups, mental health resources, and connect with others who get it.
Support & communitySupporting someone through diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship? You matter too. Find resources for caregivers.
Caregiver resourcesLooking for patient resources, screening guidelines, or ways to bring awareness to your practice? The Butts & Badges program was made for you.
Provider resourcesMost colorectal cancers start as polyps that can be found and removed before they become cancer. You have choices in how you get screened. Learn more in our full guide.
The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. A doctor examines your entire colon and can remove polyps during the procedure.
How often: Every 10 years for average-risk individuals
The prep: Requires bowel preparation the day before (it's honestly not as bad as people joke about)
The upside: Can find AND remove polyps in one visit - both diagnostic and preventive
Non-invasive tests you can do at home. They check your stool for signs of cancer or precancerous changes.
FIT Test: Checks for hidden blood in stool. Done yearly. Simple and affordable.
Stool DNA (Cologuard): Checks for DNA markers and blood. Done every 3 years.
The upside: No prep, no procedure, done at home. A positive result means you'll need a follow-up colonoscopy.
Both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society now recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. If you have a family history or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about starting even earlier. Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover screening at no cost. Find a screening provider near you.
Unlike colorectal cancer, anal cancer screening is recommended for specific higher-risk groups — including people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised individuals. Methods include the Digital Anal Rectal Exam (DARE), anal Pap tests, and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). The ANCHOR study showed that treating precancerous lesions reduced anal cancer by 57%.
Learn about anal cancer screening and who should be screenedMany people dismiss these symptoms as hemorrhoids or stress. Colorectal and anal cancers can share some warning signs but also have distinct symptoms. If anything on this list persists for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor.
Bright red or dark blood when you go to the bathroom. This is never normal and always worth mentioning to your doctor.
Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool lasting more than a few days.
Ongoing discomfort, bloating, or pain in your belly that doesn't go away or keeps coming back.
Losing weight without trying, especially combined with other symptoms on this list.
Feeling unusually tired even with enough rest, which may be caused by iron-deficiency anemia from hidden bleeding.
A lump near the anus, rectal bleeding, itching, or discharge - these may be signs of anal cancer and should be evaluated.
These symptoms don't always mean cancer. But they always mean you should talk to your doctor. Early detection is everything.
Learn more about symptoms & self-advocacyRates of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have been steadily rising, and researchers are still working to understand why. What we do know: young adults are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage because they - and sometimes their doctors - don't expect it.
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms, advocate for yourself. Don't let anyone dismiss you because of your age. Request a referral for evaluation.
Read the full early-onset CRC guideThe HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 and available up to age 45. People living with HIV, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk and should ask about anal cancer screening.
Learn about anal cancer risk factors and preventionLGBTQ+ communities face elevated risks for both colorectal and anal cancers - and too often encounter barriers to affirming care. Here's what you need to know about screening, prevention, and finding support.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer screening starts at 45 for everyone - and LGBTQ+ individuals are no exception. If you have a family history or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about starting earlier. Options include colonoscopy and at-home stool tests.
Anal Cancer
Gay and bisexual men, people living with HIV, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for anal cancer. Ask your provider about anal cancer screening. The ANCHOR study showed that treating precancerous lesions reduced anal cancer by 57%. The HPV vaccine is a powerful prevention tool (recommended through age 26, available up to 45).
A cancer diagnosis is hard enough without worrying about whether your care team understands you. PrideCare support groups connect you with LGBTQ+ individuals navigating colorectal and anal cancer - from diagnosis through survivorship. Our mental health resources are here too.
PrideCare Support Groups →Everyone deserves healthcare where they feel safe and respected. Cheeky Charity's resources are designed with LGBTQ+ communities in mind - from support groups to LGBTQ+ cancer prevention guides. If your provider doesn't make you feel seen, you deserve a different one.
LGBTQ+ support services →Join a support group designed for your community.
PrideCare Support GroupsYou don't need a medical degree to be a public health advocate. Grab a Cheeky Charity pin, wear it everywhere, and help break the stigma around colorectal and anal cancers.
A Cheeky Champion is anyone who wears a Cheeky Charity pin to raise awareness of colorectal and anal cancers. At the coffee shop, at work, at the gym, at the bar... wherever you go, your pin is a conversation starter.
When someone asks "what's that pin?" you get to say: "It's a reminder to get screened. Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cancer killer in young adults under 50, and it's almost always preventable with screening."
That's it. That's the whole thing. One pin. One conversation. Maybe one life saved.
1. Get your pin - Choose your color: blue, brown, peach, or rainbow. Pins are $10 each, and every dollar supports Cheeky Charity's awareness and support programs.
2. Wear it everywhere - On your jacket, your bag, your lanyard, your hat. Make it part of your look.
3. Talk about it - When people ask (and they will), share what you know. Point them to screenyourbutt.org.
4. Share on social - Snap a pic, tag @cheekycharity, and use #CheekyChampions. Help us build a movement.
Available in four colors
Healthcare provider?
Get discounted pins for your clinic with the Butts & Badges program.
Learn About Butts & BadgesFrom Cheeky Charity's own guides to the best organizations working in this space.
26-section comprehensive guide covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and caregiver support.
Complete resource on risk factors, HPV, screening, treatment, and LGBTQ+-affirming survivorship care.
Virtual bi-monthly support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals - including groups for gay men, lesbian women, queer/pansexual, and trans communities.
A stigma-free guide to understanding and caring for your butt health, including common concerns and when to see a doctor.
Emotional wellness support for patients, survivors, and caregivers navigating a cancer journey.
Commit to getting screened and encourage the people you love to do the same.
Leading patient advocacy organization with medically-reviewed resources, clinical trial finder, and young adult support programs.
The nation's oldest and largest CRC patient advocacy organization offering screening resources, patient support, and advocacy programs.
Comprehensive information on colorectal cancer prevention, screening guidelines, treatment options, and patient services.
Focused on screening and prevention through community events, including the Get Your Rear in Gear race series.
Cancer prevention and early detection resources, including LGBTQ+ specific screening guidance.
Resources on HPV-related cancers, including anal cancer, and information about the ANCHOR study findings.
Evidence-based information on colorectal cancer research, treatment, clinical trials, and statistics from the NCI.
Research-backed anal cancer information including treatment options, screening studies, and clinical trial access.
Official U.S. Preventive Services Task Force colorectal cancer screening guidelines for healthcare providers and patients.
Clinical guidelines for screening and treatment of anal dysplasia and cancer in adults with HIV.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, a survivor, or supporting a loved one - community makes all the difference.
Virtual bi-monthly support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by colorectal and anal cancers. Groups for gay men, lesbian women, queer/pansexual, and trans communities. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 5-6 PM PT / 8-9 PM ET.
Join a GroupTurn your experience into impact. Cheeky Charity Ambassadors help spread awareness, reduce stigma, and support others in their communities.
Learn MoreA cancer journey affects your mind as much as your body. Find emotional wellness support for patients, survivors, and caregivers - including crisis resources and therapy directories.
Mental Health SupportThe nation's largest CRC nonprofit. Their BlueHQ hub offers personalized resources, a Buddy Program matching you with someone who's been through it, and the Never Too Young program for young-onset patients.
CCA ResourcesMedically-reviewed resources, young adult support, clinical trial finder, and advocacy programs. They also host an annual patient conference connecting patients and caregivers with leading experts.
Fight CRCFree professional online support groups led by oncology social workers, individual counseling, and financial assistance for treatment-related costs. All services are free.
CancerCareCancer treatment is expensive. The PAN Foundation offers copay assistance, CancerCare helps with treatment costs, and the Patient Advocate Foundation connects you with financial resources nationwide.
Find HelpCaring for someone with cancer is its own journey. The American Cancer Society and Cheeky Charity offer guides, coping strategies, and reminders that your wellbeing matters too.
Caregiver ResourcesTurn your experience into action. Volunteer with Cheeky Charity, join the Colon Cancer Coalition's Get Your Rear in Gear events, or advocate with Fight CRC on Capitol Hill.
Get InvolvedLooking for printable resources? Download guides for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Patient & Survivor Toolkit →Don't know where to start? Here are real, practical questions to bring to your next appointment - organized by where you are in your journey.
Tip: If your doctor dismisses your concerns, advocate for yourself. You know your body best.
Tip: Screening at 45+ is covered by most insurance with no copay under the ACA.
Tip: CRC is the #1 cancer killer in young adults under 50. "You're too young" is not an acceptable answer.
Tip: You deserve care that respects your identity. If you don't feel heard, Cheeky Charity's PrideCare groups can help you find affirming providers.
Tip: Bring someone with you to your appointments if you can. It helps to have a second pair of ears.
Tip: Caregiver burnout is real. Mental health support is for you too.
Print these out or save them to your phone. Walking in with questions is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
Want a deeper dive? Check out Cheeky Charity's Colorectal Cancer Guide and Anal Cancer Guide for comprehensive information.
For everyone. Grab a pin, wear it proudly, and become a grassroots advocate for screening awareness. Pins are $10 each, and every dollar supports Cheeky Charity's life-saving programs.
Get Your Pin - $10For healthcare providers and clinics. Sign up your team, get pins and a resource kit, and make it easier for patients to ask about screening. Suggested $2/pin with financial support available.
Sign Up Your ClinicWhether you're at an FQHC, a primary care practice, or a GI clinic - Butts & Badges gives you the tools to start screening conversations with patients.
Sign up your clinic or team. We'll send you Cheeky Charity pins (in blue, brown, peach, or rainbow) and an awareness resource kit.
Wear your pin. A simple, cheeky conversation starter that makes it easier for patients to ask about screening.
Use the Conversation Starter Guide. Our kit includes facts, talking points, and patient-friendly messaging to make these conversations approachable.
Share your impact. Snap a photo of your team, tag @cheekycharity, and help build a nationwide movement of providers who are breaking the stigma.
120+ clinics and organizations have already signed up for March 2026.
Pins are a suggested $2 each, with financial support available for clinics that need it. We'll send everything you need to get started.
Sign Up for Butts & BadgesDon't forget to assess patients for anal cancer risk factors. Patients living with HIV, MSM, those with a history of HPV-related disease, and immunocompromised individuals should be offered anal cancer screening (DARE, anal Pap test). The ANCHOR study demonstrated a 57% reduction in anal cancer through treatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. See the HIV clinical guidelines on anal cancer for detailed protocols.
Anal cancer screening resources for providersFree, print-ready materials for patients, providers, and anyone who wants to spread the word. Download what you need, share it with your community.
One-page overview of colonoscopy, FIT, and Cologuard - what to expect, how often, and how to prepare.
A patient-friendly walkthrough of colonoscopy preparation - what to buy, what to eat, and tips to make it easier.
What the ACA covers, how to access free or low-cost screening, and financial assistance resources.
Quick-reference card with USPSTF and ACS recommendations by age and risk level.
What to do in the first 30 days after a colorectal or anal cancer diagnosis - questions to ask, steps to take, and where to find support.
Coping strategies, therapy directories, crisis hotlines, and self-care resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Practical advice for caregivers - managing appointments, self-care, burnout prevention, and connecting with other caregivers.
PrideCare groups, CCA Buddy Program, Fight CRC communities, CancerCare counseling, and more - all in one place.
Clinical data sheet on ctDNA-based minimal residual disease testing for post-surgery CRC patients. Prognostic and predictive outcomes from a 795-patient study.
Patient-facing brochure for the FIND Colon Cancer Screening Study - recruiting participants 40+ with a scheduled colonoscopy for early detection research.
Everything you need to launch the program at your clinic - conversation starters, patient talking points, and how to order pins.
Laminated-ready quick-reference card with USPSTF, ACS, and NCCN colorectal and anal cancer screening recommendations.
Print-ready poster for waiting rooms and exam rooms - encourages patients to ask about screening in a friendly, approachable way.
Pocket-sized cards with suggested openers and responses for initiating screening conversations with patients of all ages.
Have materials to contribute? We're always looking for new resources to add to the toolkit.
Get in Touch