When to Start Colorectal Screening

Colorectal Cancer, also known as Colon Cancer, is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel connected to the rectum ending at the anus. Sometimes polyps (an abnormal growth) can develop in the rectum or colon, which may become cancer. Screening tests may catch polyps before they become cancer and catch polyps in the early stages.

According to the American Cancer Society, there were 106,180 new cases of colon cancer in 2022. When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90%. But only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. - The American Cancer Society

When To Start Getting Screenings

The American Cancer Society and Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggest that people with average risk start screenings at age 45.

Higher-risk conditions are advised to start screenings earlier and often may be advised to be screened more frequently with specific testing. Below are some conditions that may put you at higher risk:

● Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ex: Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)

● Family History of Polyps and Colorectal Cancers

● Specific Genetic Syndromes such as FAP and Lynch Syndrome

Screenings:

The following information is provided directly from the CDC website:

Stool Tests

● The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year. For this test, you receive a test kit from your healthcare provider. You use a stick or brush at home to obtain a small amount of stool. You return the test kit to the doctor or a lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood.

● The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. It is also done once a year in the same way as a gFOBT.

● The FIT-DNA test (also referred to as the stool DNA test) combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, where it is checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood. It is done once every three years.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

For this test, the doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum. The doctor checks for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower thirds of the colon.

How often: Every 5 years or every ten years with a FIT every year.

Colonoscopy

This is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. A colonoscopy also is used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests.

How often: Every 10 years (for people who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer).

CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon, which are displayed on a computer screen for the doctor to analyze.

How often: Every 5 years.

Actions to Reduce Risks

● Receive screenings according to your medical needs

● Diet: according to the CDC website, many medical experts suggest a diet high in fruits and veggies, limited animal fats, and whole grains

● Proper weight management and activity level

● Limited alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco

Contact our office to schedule your screening or if you have any questions.