Prevent
Colorectal Cancer Through Screening
Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with 150,000+ cases each year.
- Rates in adults under 50 have increased 15% in the past decade, now making up 12% of all diagnoses, often at later stages.
- Common symptoms: rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, bowel changes.
- Contributing factors: poor diet, inactivity, obesity, smoking.
- Lifetime risk: 1 in 23 men, 1 in 26 women.
Screening Guidelines
45 is the New 50
Screening now begins at age 45 for average-risk individuals to detect colorectal cancer earlier and remove precancerous polyps before they progress.
Risk Factors
Some people may need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45. Risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right time to begin screening.
When to Stop
Routine colorectal cancer screening is generally recommended until age 75, depending on overall health and life expectancy. For adults aged 76–85, screening should be individualized based on health and prior screenings. Talk with your healthcare provider to decide what’s best for you.
The Importance of Early Detection
Similar to other cancers, survival outcomes with colorectal cancer are greatly improved when diagnosed at an early stage.
- The earliest stage cancers can typically be treated with resection. This is usually performed surgically but may occasionally be done during a colonoscopy.
- Survival rates for early-stage colorectal cancer exceed 95%, while advanced-stage cancers have a five-year survival rate of less than 15%.
- Completing screening at the recommended age and intervals increases the likelihood of detecting colon cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
Preventing Colon Cancer: The Life-Saving Power of Screening
Most colorectal cancers develop from precancerous polyps. Identifying and removing these high-risk polyps through screening can stop cancer before it starts.
Studies show that consistent screening can prevent 60-70% of colorectal cancers, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing the risk of this potentially deadly disease.
Completing screening at the recommended intervals is essential to ensure that new polyps or abnormalities are detected and addressed in a timely manner.
Positive results from non-invasive screening tests, such as FIT or Cologuard, must be followed by a colonoscopy to complete the screening process and confirm any findings.
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