Colorectal Cancer Screening: Taking Charge Of Your Health

Colon cancer, often used interchangeably with colorectal cancer, is a topic most people shy away from – until it hits too close to home. However, it's time to bring this conversation to the forefront. Early detection through screenings can significantly increase survival rates while making treatment easier. Sometimes, those who catch colon cancer early enough can get polyps removed before the cancer even reaches stage 1.

In other words, colon cancer prevention is possible. Taking the time to schedule a colorectal cancer screening is a powerful and proactive step that could save your life.

At Catch, we empower you to face these challenges head-on with knowledge and actionable insights. Catch analyzes over 500 unique risk factors to give you a personalized risk score for 21+ major cancer types, including colorectal cancer. But we don’t stop at numbers. We’re here to guide you with tailored action plans, optimal screening protocols, and tools to track your progress.

The Importance Of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Specifically, when it’s detected early. Screening is a critical line of defense, enabling early cancer detection or precancerous polyps. Regular screening, including colonoscopies and fecal tests, significantly reduces the mortality rate associated with this disease.

Many individuals may not prioritize screening because they exhibit no symptoms. However, this absence of symptoms can be deceptive, as colorectal cancer can develop silently. Key colon cancer risk factors include age (most cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 50 and above), a family history of the disease, and certain lifestyle choices. Despite feeling healthy, these factors may increase an individual's susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

Screening empowers individuals with crucial information about their health, often before issues become symptomatic. Early detection offers a greater chance of successful treatment, and survival rates can exceed 90% when colorectal cancer is identified in its initial stages. Proactive screening is a strategic measure against an otherwise stealthy illness.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

While it used to be age 50, medical guidelines now recommend that average-risk individuals start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. This decision is backed by statistics showing an uptick in cases among younger adults. Traditional methods, such as colonoscopy, are generally recommended every 10 years, alongside more frequent non-invasive tests for individuals without significant risk factors.

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or personal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease may have an earlier recommended colonoscopy age. Think 20s, 30s, or 40s, depending. For those with a high-risk profile, including lifestyle-related risks such as smoking or a poor diet, screenings might need to be more frequent, potentially annually.

You may also require an early colorectal cancer screening if you are under 45 but notice possible symptoms of colon cancer. Blood in the stool, unexpected weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or passing thin, pencil-like stools, should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare professional, regardless of age.

It’s not one size fits all. Screening schedules are based on well-researched guidelines designed to detect problems early and increase survival rates. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for your screenings.

Different Types Of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

There are different types of colorectal cancer screening tests. A colonoscopy is almost always the first choice; however, there are instances where other screening tools may be used.

• Colonoscopy: The colonoscopy is often considered the gold standard. It’s like sending a tiny camera on a reconnaissance mission through your colon. A doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to check for polyps or abnormal growths. If they spot anything suspicious, they can remove it immediately for further testing. It’s thorough, covering the entire colon, and can prevent cancer by snipping out precancerous polyps before they turn dangerous. The catch? It requires prep (yes, the infamous liquid diet and laxatives) and sedation, and you’ll need a day to recover.
• FIT: Then there’s the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a less invasive option like a stealthy side quest. You do this at home by collecting a small stool sample and sending it to a lab. It checks for hidden blood in your stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. No prep, no sedation, just a quick and private process. The downside is it’s not as comprehensive as a colonoscopy – it won’t spot polyps directly – and if it comes back positive, you’ll likely need a follow-up colonoscopy anyway. Still, it’s a solid starting point, often recommended annually for those at average risk.
• Stool DNA Test: Another option is the stool DNA test, also known as Cologuard. Think of this as FIT’s tech-savvy cousin. It also analyzes a stool sample at home, looking for both blood and specific DNA markers associated with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. It’s a bit more advanced, catching more abnormalities than FIT alone, but it’s not perfect – false positives can happen, and again, a positive result means a colonoscopy is next.
• Sigmoidoscopy: There's the flexible sigmoidoscopy for those who want a visual check without the full colonoscopy commitment. It’s like a shorter, less intense version of the colonoscopy, focusing only on the lower part of the colon. It still requires some prep and might be done with or without sedation, but it’s quicker. The trade-off? It misses anything higher in the colon, so it’s not as complete. Doctors often pair it with other tests or recommend it every five years.
• CT Colonography:Lastly, there’s the CT colonography, or virtual colonoscopy, which uses a CT scan to create detailed images of your colon. It’s like getting a 3D map of the terrain without anything invasive. You still need bowel prep; if something looks off, you need a traditional colonoscopy. It’s less commonly used, but it can be an option for those who cannot undergo the standard procedure.

Each of these tests has its strengths and quirks, and the right one for you depends on your risk level, comfort, and medical history. The test you can get through is better than no test at all. So, take the time to understand what’s out there. It’s your health, and you’ve got the power to choose how to protect it.

Take Control Of Your Cancer Risk With Catch Bio, Inc.

At Catch, we empower you with the tools to understand your risk and actively fight it. Catch analyzes over 500 unique risk factors, from lifestyle habits to environmental exposures and family history, to give you a personalized risk score for 21+ major cancer types, including colorectal.

Why wait for the unknown when you can act now? Here’s how Catch can help you:

• Personalized Risk Assessment: Get a detailed map of your cancer risks tailored to your life.
• Actionable Plans: Receive specific lifestyle tweaks and screening protocols that aid cancer prevention.
• Ongoing Support: Track your progress with tools that keep you in the driver’s seat and get the most up-to-date information about cancer prevention.
• Proven Impact: Users have significantly reduced their overall cancer risk through our targeted interventions.

Final Thoughts

Thinking about cancer is scary. It’s unpredictable, and it often feels like there’s nothing you can do but cross your fingers and hope for the best, but that’s not the case. Getting a colorectal cancer screening on time is one of the most beneficial things you can do in the face of prevention and early detection.

Keeping risk factors in mind, there are also relatively simple lifestyle changes, like avoiding processed meats, smoking, and alcohol, that you can make to reduce your colon cancer risk. Catch helps you understand how factors like your habits impact your chances of developing cancer.

Read also:

• Why vegetables should play a major role in your diet

• The surprising risks of hot foods and drinks

• The causes (and dangers) of chronic inflammation

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Screening

Why is screening for colorectal cancer important?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers, but here’s the good news: it’s also one of the most preventable with early detection. Screening can catch precancerous polyps before they turn into something sinister, or detect cancer at an early stage when it’s far more treatable. Don’t wait for symptoms; screening is your first line of defense.

What happens if my screening test finds something abnormal?

An abnormal result doesn’t always mean cancer; it often just means further testing is needed. A follow-up colonoscopy might be recommended to take a closer look or remove polyps. If cancer is detected, early intervention is key, and survival rates are much higher in the early stages.

Will insurance cover colorectal cancer screening?

Many insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening as a preventive service for those over 45 (or who have risk factors that indicate the need for an earlier screening), often at no out-of-pocket cost. However, coverage can vary based on your plan, age, risk factors, and the type of test you get.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so critical. When symptoms do appear, they can include but certainly are not limited to changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation, thin or pencil-like stool), blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Fatigue and other symptoms can also be common.

Can colorectal cancer be prevented through screening?

Absolutely. Screening isn’t just about detection; it’s about prevention. Removing precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy can stop cancer before it starts. Additionally, our data at Catch indicates that users can reduce their cancer risk through targeted interventions and lifestyle changes. Screening combined with personalized action plans = a powerful combination to take control of your health.

What are the survival rates for colorectal cancer?

Here’s where early detection shines. If caught at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is around 90%. However, if the cancer spreads, your survival rate decreases significantly.

If I have no symptoms, do I still need to be screened for colorectal cancer?

Yes. Colorectal cancer often develops silently, with no warning signs until it’s advanced. Screening isn’t about how you feel right now – it’s about catching what you can’t feel. With Catch our platform assesses your unique risk profile and guides you on when and how to screen.

What are the latest recommendations for colorectal cancer screening?

The American Cancer Society now recommends starting screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals, a shift from the previous age of 50, due to rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Some people may have a younger recommended screening age due to factors such as family history.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control. (2024, October 17). Screening for Colorectal Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html
2. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Colorectal Cancer Survival Rates. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
3. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Colorectal Cancer Screening. https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-screening-pdq