Colorectal Cancer Screening and Early Detection
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
- Colorectal cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
- Begin screening at 45 years of age for those at average risk
- In early stages, colorectal cancer may not produce any symptoms, which is why early detection through screening is so valuable.
- Screening options are available from at home tests to colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer by removing polyps before they have a chance to grow cancerous.
Never ignore bowel changes, rectal bleeding or fatigue- even in your 20s. Speaking up about changes to your health care provider could be lifesaving.
It’s important to make an appointment with your health care provider right away, so the cause can be assessed and treated, if you have any of these symptoms:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing (pencil- thin or flat) stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that's not relieved by having one
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood (do not assume it is only a hemorrhoid)
- Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Decreased appetite and early satiety (feeling full quickly)
For adults at average risk, begin screening at age 45.
According to the American Cancer Society, if all adults 45 and older were screened for colorectal cancer, we could avoid thousands of deaths each year and prevent many people from ever getting the disease.
You may need to begin to be screened much earlier if you have a first degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer or a high risk conditions.
If you have a first degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son) you need to begin screening 10 years before the age they were diagnosed or by age 40, whichever is earlier.
For example, if your mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 42, first degree relatives should screen beginning age 32 with colonoscopy.
Understanding factors that place you at higher risk
A risk factor is anything that increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Some lifestyle choices that you can control may lower your risk, such as quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight. Other factors, not within your control that may place you at higher risk, include:
- If you are African American. African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer
- Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Daughter, Son (first-degree relative) diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer
- You have a genetic syndrome such as Lynch Syndrome or Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- You have been diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
- Personal history of polyps
- Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
With screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most easily detected and preventable types of cancer. Screening is important no matter which screening test method you choose.
At home tests are an option for those at average risk. If your result comes back abnormal, you will need a colonoscopy.
If you are at higher risk because of family history, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis, colonoscopy would be recommended screening method.
Stool DNA tests looks for cells in the stool that contain abnormal sections of DNA. Colorectal cancers and polyps often contain cells with abnormal sections of DNA, and these cells are shed into the stool where this test may be able to detect them.
Like the FIT, the stool DNA test is noninvasive. You only need to repeat it every three years as long as you receive normal results. If your results come back abnormal, you will then need to undergo a colonoscopy.
The only stool DNA test currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration is Cologuard. This is the test we use at Riverside your primary care provide can help order this screening test for you.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening. This is the only test available that allows your doctor to see and examine the entire length of your colon. If a polyp is discovered, your doctor can take a piece of it for further testing and/or remove it completely during the procedure.
A colonoscopy helps prevent cancer by removing polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous.
This test is done in a clinic or hospital. Your doctor inserts a scope (a small, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end) into your large intestine through the anus. You’re placed under sedation during the entire test, so you stay comfortable and relaxed.
Though you must prepare by completely emptying your colon before a colonoscopy, it’s the only test that allows your doctor to see and examine the entire length of your colon and remove polyps. If your results come back normal, you won’t need another colonoscopy for another 10 years.
At Riverside, our endoscopists are well above the national average for finding polyps, which is a key marker as to their quality.
Schedule a screening colonoscopy
Family History
According to the American Cancer Society, as many as one-third of people with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease. It’s important to be aware of who in your family has or had colorectal cancer and learn when it was detected so you can begin screening at the right time.
Not sure how to start the conversation?
Download a “My Family History of Cancer” worksheet that contains helpful conversation starters and a place to record what you learn!
Cancer Prevention
While not all risk factors can be modified, you can empower yourself and make sure your risk of colorectal cancer is as low as possible by choosing the healthiest lifestyle options.
Learn ways to prevent cancer
Comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Program
If you learn you or a loved one has colorectal cancer, Riverside offers a comprehensive care with advanced diagnostics, fellowship trained colorectal cancer surgeon, cancer drugs, and an expert caring multidisciplinary team.
Learn about our comprehensive colorectal cancer program