Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives: What You Need to Know at 45 and Beyond

Why Screening Matters

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States for both men and women, yet is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Screening allows doctors to find changes in the colon or rectum before cancer develops or in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin regular colon cancer screening at age 45. 

What Are the Screening Options?

There are several effective screening methods, and your provider can help you choose the one that's best for you:

• Colonoscopy (every 10 years): A procedure that allows doctors to examine the entire colon and remove polyps if needed

• Stool-based tests:

  - FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) or gFOBT (every year): Detect blood in the stool 

  - Stool DNA test (e.g. Cologuard) (every 3 years): Looks for DNA changes and blood.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years): Examines the lower part of the colon.

If any of these tests show abnormal results, a follow-up colonoscopy is usually recommended.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people should begin screening earlier or be screened more frequently. Risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
• A history of inflammation bowel disease (Crohn' disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Certain hereditary conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and the right screening plan for you.

How You Can Take Action

• If you're 45 or older, ask your doctor about getting screened
• Know your family history and share it with your care team
• Maintain a healthy diet, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and stay active; all of which may help lower your risk

Early detection saves lives. Screening is simple, often covered by insurance, and could be the most important step you take this year.