20, Mar 2025
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cancer death in the United States. In 2024, 53,010 people are expected to die from CRC. CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and remains the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50.
For many, it can be inconvenient to get screened by colonoscopy, but colorectal cancers are preventable or treatable effectively when detected early on. Several screening tools can be used, including some you can do in your home.
According to current guidelines, most people should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45 if they are considered at an average risk for the disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults between 45 and 75 years old. People with a family history of colon cancer may need to start screening earlier, so consult your doctor.
Although the American Cancer Society recommends people undergo CRC screenings starting at age 45, individuals at high risk should start screenings earlier than 45 and have more frequent follow-ups.
If you are over 75, discuss with your doctor whether to continue screening based on your family history of colon cancer and your overall health condition.
CRC arises from the lining of the colon or rectum, usually from cells that secrete mucus. It often begins as a polyp, a premalignant, benign lesion, or an overgrowth in the colon's lining. A polyp, if left alone, can evolve into cancer. However, with screening, if those polyps can be detected and removed, cancer can be prevented altogether.
Colorectal cancer is often asymptomatic, which is why screening is so essential. Some people do experience telltale signs, however. These are the main warning signs of colorectal cancer:
People considered to be at higher risk of CRC include those with a family history of colonic polyps, colon cancer, or uterine cancer; individuals with inflammatory bowel disease; personal history of polyps; and those individuals with inherited syndromes such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Various tests can detect signs of colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard test because it is the only test to identify and treat polyps in the entire colon. Furthermore, if a polyp is detected during the screening procedure, it can often be removed and biopsied at that time, thereby eliminating unnecessary unnecessary procedures.
While people often dread to undergo a colonoscopy, it is important to note that recent changes make it a gentler experience with many different bowel preparations, some even in pill form.
Sigmoidoscopy is another test similar to a colonoscopy but less invasive as it only looks at the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). The fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test detects the presence of blood in the stool, a stool DNA test, often known by the brand name Cologuard.
Cologuard is not a preventive tool, but it can detect the presence of blood and abnormal DNA, which can be a sign of cancer.
Determining which test would be most effective for you and how often it should be performed involves multiple factors, including the patient's overall health, age, other risk factors and family history. You should consult your primary care provider to determine which screening strategy would be most beneficial for you.
If you are 45 and over, start talking to your healthcare provider to discuss the proper test for you. Let's come together this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness, share stories, and save lives.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)