Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in early stages.
Polyps are small growths on the wall of the colon or rectum that are usually not harmful, but sometimes can be cancerous. Often people with polyps have no symptoms. Sometimes cancer can be prevented by finding and removing polyps, so it’s important to get checked by a medical provider.
A simple screening test might save your life. When cancer is found in its early stages, it’s often more treatable. With routine screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. In fact, it’s beatable in 90% of cases when detected early, giving you the opportunity to enjoy life and spend time with those you love.
Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at later stages due in part to differences in access to screening and health care.
Millions of people in the US are not getting screened as recommended. But with regular screening, the progression of colorectal cancer can be prevented, or found early when treatment is most effective.
According to the American Cancer Society, men and women at average risk should start getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45. The number of cases of colorectal cancer in people under 50 is expected to almost double by 2030.
If someone in your family had the disease talk to your medical provider about beginning screening at an earlier age.
Signs of colon cancer can sometimes be similar to other digestive tract problems, with symptoms including:
If you are experiencing these symptoms, no matter what your age, speak with your health care provider.
Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why it’s important to get screened starting at age 45 even if you don’t have symptoms.
There are several effective screening tests for colorectal cancer. Some tests are conducted at a health care facility. Other screening tests can be done from the comfort of your own home. Talk with your medical provider about which screening options might be right for you.
| FIT Test (Fecal Immuno-chemical Test) | Multi-target Stool DNA Test | Colonoscopy |
|---|
| WHERE DO I TAKE THIS TEST? | At home | At home | At a medical facility |
| HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO GET A SCREENING? | Every Year* | Every 3 Years* | Every 10 Years* |
| How does this test work? | Tests a small sample of your stool | Tests a small sample of your stool | Inserts a scope into your rectum and colon |
| WHAT DOES THE TEST DO? | Checks stool for blood that might occur with polyps or cancer | Checks stool for blood and DNA that might occur with polyps or cancer | Check for abnormal growths (polyps or cancer) |
| What do I need to do before the test? | No special diet or bowel prep needed | No special diet or bowel prep needed | 1-2 days of preparation including fasting and bowel cleansing |
| Do I need to take time off? | No time off work | No time off work | 1-2 days off work |
| What will this cost? | Covered by insurance in most cases | Covered by insurance in most cases | Covered by insurance in most cases |
| What happens if my test is positive? | You will need to have a colonoscopy | You will need to have a colonoscopy | Many growths found during a colonoscopy can be removed at the time of the procedure |
*Adhering to the recommended frequency is a crucial step.
Learn more about additional types of tests.
General Health GuidanceThere are steps you can take to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.
It’s important to maintain a healthy diet. A balance between a healthy diet and lifestyle includes:
Even if you take all of these steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, you cannot eliminate the risk entirely. That’s why everyone 45 and older should talk to their medical provider, choose a screening test, and get screened routinely.
NOTHING CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED TO BE FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS, CONDITION OR DISEASE. INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL OR MEDICAL DECISIONS OF ANY KIND. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER REGARDING ANY HEALTH CARE QUESTIONS
