Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined. Through regular screening, colorectal cancer can be detected at its earliest and most treatable stage. Screening can also prevent colorectal cancer altogether. Colonoscopy can detect pre-cancerous polyps – and remove them on the spot before they have the chance to become cancer.
Men and women are encouraged to talk with their physician about colorectal cancer screening and the test that is best for them. The American Cancer Society recommends men and women at average risk begin screening at age 50. People with a family history of the disease may want to talk to their physician before age 50.
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.
If you have symptoms, they may include—
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Losing weight and you don’t know why.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Gastroenterology recommend that men and women at average risk begin screening at age 50. There are a variety of test options, including colonoscopy which not only detects cancer, but also prevents colorectal cancer with the removal of any polys that are found. There are also simple take home tests that test for blood in the stool. People are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the test that is best for them.
People at increased risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening before age 50. Those at increased risk include:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- A strong family history of polyps or colorectal cancer or a family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
Colorectal Cancer in Younger People
More and more people considered “too young” for colon cancer are getting the disease. Often, their cancer will have progressed to a more advanced stage because colon cancer will not be on the radar of a primary care physician caring for someone under the age of 40. The reasons for higher incidence in people under the age of 40 is unclear. Researchers at University of Colorado Cancer Center are looking specifically at whether there is a difference in what causes and drives colon cancer in younger people. They also want to know whether younger people with colon cancer respond differently to various treatments.
The death rate in the 20-54 age group has been increasing by 1% each year from 2004 to 2014. Before that, in the mid-70s to 1990s, the death rate had been decreasing by about 2% each year.
People are encouraged to talk with their physician if they have any symptoms, and to determine the best time to start screening based on medical and family history.
When Should I Begin to Get Screened
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 50, or more often than other people, if—
You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (lynch syndrome).
Speak with your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.
