When to Start Colorectal Cancer Screening
If you’re at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), you should start screening with a colonoscopy at age 50 and continue every 10 years. The risk of CRC increases with age, and more than 90% of cases occur in people 50 and older. However, if you have certain risk factors like a family history of CRC or polyps, or if you’ve had certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to start screening earlier and more often.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, often called colon cancer, develops in the colon or rectum, which are part of your digestive system. This system processes food and eliminates waste. Most colorectal cancers start as non-cancerous growths, called polyps, on the colon or rectum lining. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous. The good news is that colonoscopies can detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer, lowering your risk.
Why Colonoscopy is Important for Prevention
A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. During this exam, doctors can look at your entire colon and rectum to spot any polyps. If they find any, they can remove them right there, preventing them from turning into cancer. If you’re at higher risk, regular screening can help catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
Colorectal Cancer and Why It Matters
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It’s the third leading cause for men (after lung and prostate cancer) and for women (after lung and breast cancer). The earlier you catch it, the better your chances for successful treatment. Regular screening is key to catching cancer early or even preventing it altogether.
Screening for People at Higher Risk
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you might need to start screening earlier and more often. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or gastroenterologist about your personal risk and when you should begin screening.
Different Types of Screening Tests
There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer, each with different benefits:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): These tests check for blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure that looks at the lower part of your colon. It’s similar to a colonoscopy but doesn’t check the whole colon.
- Colonoscopy: This is the most thorough test. It allows doctors to look at your entire colon, detect polyps, and remove them if necessary.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A non-invasive imaging test that looks for polyps or signs of cancer.
- Barium Enema with Air Contrast: This X-ray procedure helps doctors look at the shape of the colon.
- Stool DNA Testing: This test looks for genetic changes in your stool that could indicate cancer.
Why Colonoscopy is the Best Option
Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive screening method. It not only helps find polyps or cancer but also allows doctors to remove polyps during the procedure, preventing them from turning into cancer later. It’s especially important for people with a family history of CRC or other risk factors.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor or gastroenterologist about when to start screening and how often you should be tested. Early detection is key to reducing your risk and staying healthy.
