Colorectal Cancer Screening: All You Need to Know
When and How to Get Screened
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening for colorectal cancer can help find precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer, when treatment is most effective.
Age and Risk Factors
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk of colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. If you have certain risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to start screening earlier or more often. Your doctor will help you determine when and how often to get screened.
Types of Tests
There are several different tests that can be used to screen for colorectal cancer, including:
- Colonoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the colon to look for polyps or cancer.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A procedure similar to a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool using a chemical reagent.
- Cologuard: A test that checks for DNA changes in the stool that may indicate the presence of cancer or polyps.
Importance of Early Detection
Colorectal cancer can be prevented or treated if found early. Screening can help you find precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer, when treatment is most effective. Talk to your doctor today about when and how to get screened for colorectal cancer.
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