Take Charge of Your Health Today! Learn How You Can Colorectal Cancer Through Screening.

Learn more about colorectal cancer and available screenings below, or skip ahead to take a brief survey to uncover your risk level and the best screening options for you.

Colorectal Cancer: Facts and Figures

  • Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it is highly preventable through regular screening.
  • Each year, more than 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
  • Rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 have increased by nearly 15% in the last decade, making early awareness and screening critical.
  • 12% of colorectal cancer cases are now diagnosed in individuals under 50.
  • Research shows a nearly 2% annual increase in colorectal cancer rates among people aged 20-39 over the past two decades.
  • Younger adults are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, as symptoms may be dismissed or misattributed to less serious conditions.
  • Common symptoms in younger adults include rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits—signs that should not be ignored.
  • Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, sedentary behavior, obesity, and smoking, are thought to contribute to the rising rates in this group, though more research is needed
  • Approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Screening Guidelines for Colon Cancer

45 is the New 50!

Screening now starts at age 45 for average-risk individuals due to a rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults. Lowering the screening age helps catch cancer earlier and prevents more cases by addressing precancerous polyps sooner.

The Importance of Risk Factors

Certain risk factors may require starting colorectal cancer screening earlier than age 45. These include a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome. If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about when you should begin screening. Early detection is especially important for those at higher risk.

When to Stop

Routine screening is generally recommended to stop at age 75, depending on overall health and life expectancy. For individuals aged 76-85, screening decisions should be personalized based on health status and screening history. Studies have shown that even a first screening after the age of 80 may be appropriate, highlighting the importance of individualized decision-making in this age group. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine 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, which 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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Take the Next Step to Prevent Colon Cancer

Screening is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and catching it early. Whether you're curious about your risk level or want to learn more about your screening options, we're here to guide you. Start by choosing the path that works best for you.