Time to Talk About It: Colorectal Cancer Screenings Matter

It can be uncomfortable discussing private topics like bowel habits, polyps or colonoscopies, but colorectal cancer is more common than you might think. Every year, there are more than 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer—that’s about 8% of all new cancer diagnoses. Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer, but it doesn’t have to be. Regular screenings can detect polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous and before you even develop symptoms.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the lining of the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. This type of cancer develops as small growths called polyps.

Polyps are common, but they aren’t part of a healthy colon. Most people don’t notice them, so polyps are usually found only during screening tests. Up to 40% of American adults have them. Having polyps doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but when left untreated, some could become cancerous.

Colorectal cancer is often considered a silent cancer. In the early stages, it often has no noticeable symptoms at all. If you do experience symptoms, they’re often confused for other, less serious digestive issues. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in the stool (may appear red or black)
• Change in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss

The good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Doctors can often remove precancerous polyps, which may prevent cancer from ever developing, during screening test called a colonoscopy. Localized colorectal cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of 90% or more, but it has to be detected early.

Colorectal Cancer Risks

In many cases, there’s no clear cause for colorectal cancer. However, some factors can increase your risk:

• Being age 45 or older
• Certain genetic factors
• Diets that are high in red meat and processed meats
• Family history of colorectal cancer or a type of polyps that could turn into cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Smoking, drinking and other lifestyle factors

Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Even if you feel fine and live a healthy, active lifestyle, you should still get regular screenings. Screenings are usually covered under insurance, including Medicare.

There are more ways to detect colorectal cancer than just colonoscopies.

Stool Tests

This noninvasive test checks your stool for blood or changes in your DNA that may signal cancer. These tests are a good screening for people at average risk, but if you’re at high risk, they aren’t sensitive enough to detect the earliest signs of cancer. You can conduct these tests at home.

Colonoscopy

Using a camera on the end of a long flexible tube, a doctor can look at the lining of the rectum and colon to see polyps. During this procedure, a doctor can also remove the polyps or take biopsies to test for cancer. The day before a colonoscopy, you will need to do bowel prep and follow a strict diet. For your comfort, you will likely be sedated during the procedure.

CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

With a CT scan, a radiologist can generate images of the rectum and colon. It’s less invasive than a regular colonoscopy, but doctors can’t remove any polyps they find during the exam. You’ll stay awake and comfortable during this procedure, but you will still need to do bowel prep for clear imaging.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy, but focuses mostly on the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon in the lower part of the large intestine.

Who Should Get Screened?

If you’re between the ages of 45 and 75, you should have regular colorectal cancer screenings. Most eligible adults at average risk should conduct a stool test every year or have a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society says you may need to begin having screenings earlier or have them more frequently.

People with genetic conditions that can cause colorectal cancer should have screenings starting as young as their teens. Stool tests may not be sensitive enough for people in this group, so they should expect frequent colonoscopies.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get regular screenings. Lifestyle choices can also influence your risk.

• Stay physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of healthy fiber.
• Eat less red meat and animal products.
• Limit alcohol.
• Reduce or quit smoking.
• Consider anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin.

Make Screenings Part of Your Health Routine

It might be awkward, but colorectal cancer screening is essential—even if you feel fine. When polyps are found early, you can prevent cancer from ever happening.

If you’re due for a colonoscopy, don’t wait. Find a provider who can help you schedule your colorectal cancer screening.