Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Begin regular screening tests at age 45 or earlier if you have a family history. It could save your life.
Colorectal cancer is preventable with screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. Fortunately, through regular screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable diseases. About 68% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented with screening.
Get tested starting at age 45
In the early stage of colorectal cancer, there are few or no symptoms. That’s why screening for colorectal cancer is essential. We recommend that adults, ages 45 and older, get regular colorectal cancer screenings.
You may need to be tested earlier than age 45, or more often than other people, if you have:
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer like Lynch syndrome
Why is screening so important?
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from abnormal growths (or pre-cancerous polyps) in the lining of the colon or rectum. If the polyps grow and are not removed, they may become cancer.
- Colonoscopy can find abnormal growths (or polyps) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
- Stool-based tests can find advanced polyps or early cancers before they become a problem.
Your colorectal cancer screening options
Several screening tests can be used to detect polyps or colorectal cancer. Talk to your primary care provider about which test is right for you.
Colonoscopy
Your gastroenterologist will insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and colon. This procedure lets your doctor check for polyps or cancer. Unlike other screening tests, your doctor can remove most polyps and some cancers during a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during stool screening tests, like FIT.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
The FIT test uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer.
FIT-DNA test
This test, also referred to as the stool DNA test, combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab. Then, it’s checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood.
Questions about screening?
If you have questions or concerns about screening, fill out our online form. Our colon cancer screening nurse will follow up with you as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Which screening test is best for me?
Patients at average risk for colorectal cancer may choose from the following tests:
- Colonoscopy
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- FIT-DNA test
Am I at average risk of developing colorectal cancer?
You are considered at average risk of developing colorectal cancer if you do not have any of the following risk factors:
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer
- Symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as:
- Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don't go away
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Weight loss and you don't know why
- Genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
What should I do if I’m at an increased risk for colorectal cancer?
If you think you are at higher risk for colorectal cancer, talk to your primary care provider about:
- How often to get tested
- When to begin screening
- Which test is right for you
In addition to screening, how can I decrease my risk of colorectal cancer?
You can lower your risk of getting colorectal cancer by adopting healthy habits, including:
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol and processed meats
- Maintaining a healthy weight
By making healthy choices, you can reduce your risk of many types of cancer.
Please call us or complete the online form. Our colon cancer screening nurse will follow up with you as soon as possible.