Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancers? Or that it’s the second leading cause of cancer death?
Colorectal cancer is becoming more and more prevalent, especially in those under age 50. The single best way to fight the disease is by catching it in its earliest stages, and the best way to do that is through colorectal cancer screenings, such as colonoscopy.
“You won’t always have symptoms of colorectal cancer, especially at its earlier stages, so screening tests are the single best way to identify the disease as early as possible,” said Michael Blanco, MD, a specialist in gastroenterology with Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Mid-South Gastroenterology. “If you’re 45 years old or older, speak with your physician about a colorectal cancer screening.”
Up until recently, it was recommended that adults begin screenings for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. But, due to rising rates of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force lowered screening age recommendations in 2021. They now suggest that adults at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45.
Some people may need to start screening younger than 45 if they are at an increased risk, such as those who are overweight or obese, who have type 2 diabetes, smokers and those with a family history of colon cancer. Speak with your doctor about what’s right for you.
How are colorectal cancer screenings done?
The gold standard of colorectal cancer screening is colonoscopy. This test is performed by inserting a thin flexible tube with a small camera into the rectum and through the colon, allowing doctors to check for polyps, tumors and other abnormalities. If polyps are found, they can be removed during the test. This is an important protection against colorectal cancer because some polyps may become cancerous in the future.
Another test that is similar to colonoscopy is flexible sigmoidoscopy. This test is also done by inserting a thin tube into your rectum with a camera, but it only covers the sigmoid colon and does not go as far as a colonoscopy.
Other non-invasive screening tests are also available to check for the possibility of colorectal cancer, though they aren’t as definitive as colonoscopies. These tests, including fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and Cologuard, look for blood or abnormal DNA in the stool. The tests are not 100% accurate but are an option for people who don’t want to or can’t have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy performed. Keep in mind, however, that negative tests may miss possible cancers. Positive tests will require a colonoscopy for further evaluation.
“Cologuard and FIT tests are good options for those who are at normal risk for colorectal cancer and are unsure about colonoscopy. The tests are completed at home with no preparation necessary,” Dr. Blanco said. “We recommend testing every three years if using Cologuard and yearly for FIT tests. You should discuss the tests with your physician to determine which is right for you.”
How often do I need to be screened for colorectal cancer?
If a colonoscopy shows no sign of cancer, polyps or abnormalities, it will typically be recommended that you repeat the test every 10 years. If polyps or abnormalities are found, or you have a family history of colon cancer, it’s more likely you’ll be told to come back in five years. In some cases, you may need colonoscopies more often than that.
If you get a sigmoidoscopy, it may be recommended that you repeat the test every five years and have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) done yearly.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the timing of your screenings may be different depending on factors that are unique to you, including findings from previous tests and your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Maury Regional Health offers colonoscopy at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg and Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro, as well as Maury Regional Mid-South Endoscopy Center in Columbia. For more information, visit MauryRegional.com/ColorectalCancer.
Learn more about other common cancers and screenings at MauryRegional.com/Cancer-Types.
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Date Last Reviewed: January 18, 2024
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
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