This cancer affects the large intestine (also called the colon) or the rectum. "Colorectal" is a shortened way of saying colon and rectal.
Colorectal cancer begins as growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are common as we age and most polyps are benign or non-cancerous. However, some polyps change into cancer usually developing over 10-15 years and often without symptoms.
Colorectal cancer can be serious and there are ways to lower your risk including lifestyle changes and screening. Screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer or find it early when it is most treatable.
All men and women at average risk for colon cancer should be screened starting at age 45.
Men and women with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, such as a family history or those with inflammatory bowel disease, should ask their primary care team to determine the best age to start screening.
Those in good health should continue to have regular colorectal screenings through age 75. For people aged 76-85, the decision to be screened should be made jointly with their primary care team and patient preferences.
For those with average risk of colon cancer, screening should start at age 45 and repeat regularly depending on the screening option you and your primary care team choose.
- Colonoscopy: If results are normal, a repeat screening is done every 10 years.
- Mail-in Options: If results are normal, a repeat screening is done every one to three years, depending on the test. If results are not normal, a colonoscopy is needed.
Most colorectal cancer screening tests are covered by insurance, including Medicare. But it is recommended to check with your insurance provider about individual coverage.
A colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside your large intestine for signs of cancer. This includes the colon and rectum. Screening colonoscopies are completed by general surgeons, specially trained family medicine physicians or gastroenterology specialists.
Screening colonoscopies can find cancer early and even stop it by removing small growths called polyps before they turn into cancer. During the procedure, patients get medicine to help them relax or sleep. Most people do not remember the procedure.
Learn more about a colonoscopy:
There are additional screening options besides colonoscopy that can help detect signs of colorectal cancer. Mail-in stool tests are completed at home and are for people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer, who do not currently have symptoms such as blood in the stool or toilet, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss. You and your primary care team will determine which screening option is best for you.
CentraCare offers two mail-in stool test options. One test checks for abnormal DNA and blood in the stool and is recommended every three years. The other test detects blood in the stool and should be completed annually.
If you and your primary care team determine a mail-in screening test is right for you, your primary care team will provide instructions on how to complete and return the test. Mail-in tests require a stool sample to be collected at home and must be mailed to a testing laboratory for analysis.
Mail-in stool tests may lead to additional testing. If a mail-in test is positive, you will need a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy following a positive mail-in screening test may not be covered by insurance. We recommend talking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage.
Like any screening test, stool tests are not perfect. A test may miss blood or DNA changes when cancer is present. It may also return a positive result when colorectal cancer or polyps are not present, such as when bleeding is caused by another condition.
While colonoscopy remains the preferred method of colorectal cancer screening, we understand there can be barriers to completing a colonoscopy. Mail-in screening tests provide another option for detecting colorectal cancer. Talking with your primary care team about colon cancer screening is an important first step. Your primary care team can help determine which screening option is best for you.
We offer many convenient options to get a screening colonoscopy completed across our system. Screening options and eligibility may vary based on your health history, symptoms and healthcare team recommendations.
Preparing for a colonoscopy is simple. Patients are given bowel preparation instructions and diet instructions from their provider to complete at home the days leading up to the procedure. This often includes the use of laxatives the day before the procedure, to help empty the colon. It is important to read and follow these instructions carefully to have a successful colonoscopy.
Driving arrangements should also be made for the day, as patients will not be allowed to drive if they receive sedation.
More younger adults are getting colorectal cancer than in the past. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly half of new colorectal cancer cases are found in people younger than 65.
Screening can help find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. It also can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
That is why people at average risk should start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. People with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain health conditions may need to start screening sooner. Talk with your primary care team about what is right for you.
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