Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States (American Cancer Society). It begins in the colon or rectum and often develops precancerous growths, called polyps, that can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.
Early detection saves lives. Keep reading to learn why colorectal cancer screening is important, what screening options are available and the steps you can take to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Who Can Get Colorectal Cancer?
Anyone can develop colorectal cancer, but some people have a higher risk than others. While the risk increases with age, colorectal cancer is being diagnosed more frequently in younger adults, making awareness and screening especially important.
Certain health conditions and factors can increase your risk, including:
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Inherited genetic conditions, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption
If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your health care provider about when and how often you should be screened.
Why is Screening Important?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screening. It often develops without symptoms in its early stages. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer and can identify cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Most adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75, based on their provider’s recommended intervals. People with increased risk factors may need to start screening earlier.
What Screening Options Are There?
There are several effective screening methods available. Talk with your health care provider to determine which option would be the best fit for you.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy allows a health care provider to examine the entire colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. Prior to the procedure, you will need to drink a bowel prep solution to clear the colon of stool. During the procedure, polyps can be removed, helping prevent cancer from developing. For people at average risk, a colonoscopy is usually recommended every 10 years. If polyps are found, more frequent screenings may be needed.
- Stool-Based Tests: Stool-based tests are convenient, non-invasive screening options that can often be completed at home. These tests check blood or abnormal DNA in the stool that may indicate colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. The currently recommended test type is needed every three years. If a stool-based test returns a positive result for blood or abnormal DNA in your stool, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed to complete the screening process. A positive stool-based test can suggest the possible presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, but it does not confirm a cancer diagnosis.
- Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography): A virtual colonoscopy uses specialized CT imaging to create detailed pictures of the colon and rectum. Prior to the procedure, you will need to drink a bowel prep solution to clear the colon of stool. This screening option is typically recommended every five years for eligible individuals. If abnormalities are found, a traditional colonoscopy is required for further evaluation and usually available on the same day.
Tips for Preventing Colorectal Cancer
While not all cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented, many are linked to lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, excess body weight, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk.
Consider these steps:
- Incorporate more vegetables, fruits and whole grains into your meals.
- Limit or avoid red and processed meats, sugary drinks and refined grains.
- Find consistent ways to be physically active.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
Take Action Today
Screening saves lives. If you are 45 or older or have increased risk factors, talk with your primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening. Choosing a screening test and staying up to date with recommended screenings can help detect problems early, when they are most treatable.
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