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Colorectal Cancer Screening

Byefeagin Updated on

For most people, 45 is now the age to start screening for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the US for both men and women, and it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Removing polyps reduces the risk of colorectal cancer and can save lives. Recently, there have been updates to the recommendations for screening.

How do I know if I might have colon cancer? 
Never ignore warning signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, please talk to your provider, regardless of age. 

  • Blood in stool
  • Change in bowl habits or shape and size of stool
  • Rectal pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Unexplained or new anemia

Currently, there are 2 recommended screening options for colorectal cancer. If you have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, your provider may recommend earlier, or more frequent screening and a colonoscopy may be the preferred test.

Colonoscopy

  • 1-step test. A procedure that allows your doctor to see and remove precancers, or polyps.
  • Used to prevent, detect or confirm colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal issues.
  • Recommended at least every 10 years
  • How to prep for a colonoscopy

Stool based test

  • 1 or 2 step test. Includes the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or Multitarget Stool DNA or RNA test (Cologuard, ColorSense). Both look for signs of colorectal cancer. 
  • If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is recommended to rule out polyps or colon cancer.
  • Repeated yearly
  • Colorectal cancer screening tests

Adapted from Express Scripts by Evernorth August Wellness Wire.

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