Colorectal Cancer Can Be Preventable
Colorectal cancer screening can find signs of colon or colorectal cancer early when it can be prevented or easier to treat. Screening options include colonoscopies and stool-based tests. Talk to your primary care provider about which screening option is best for you.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Need a provider? Find a primary care provider near you.
When to Start Screening for Colon and Rectal Cancer
Sanford Health recommends that adults start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 through age 75. Regular screenings can:
- Prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. A polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer.
- Catch colorectal cancer early when it’s small, has not spread and may be more easily treated. When found early, nine out of 10 people have no evidence of cancer five years later.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Important
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. People sometimes delay screening because they don’t have symptoms or are concerned about time, cost or embarrassment. You can develop colorectal cancer even without a family history, symptoms or other risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Options
Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure. To help you sleep through the procedure, you’re given a light sedative or medication. Specialists use a lighted scope with a camera to examine the colon and rectum to check for tissues or cells that are not normal. During a colonoscopy, growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, known as polyps, can be removed. A tissue sample may also be taken to perform a biopsy.
Who should consider a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy may be right for you if you have:
- Abnormal stool-based test results.
- Previous colonoscopy results that found polyps or precancerous tissue.
- Symptoms of colorectal cancer, including abdominal pain, blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits or unplanned weight loss.
- A history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
- A parent or sibling with a history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps.
How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?
To prepare for a colonoscopy, you’ll need to fast and perform a colon cleanse with a laxative. Because of the sedation, you’ll also need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
How often are colonoscopies recommended?
If your results are normal, complete a colonoscopy every 10 years. If your results are not normal, your provider may recommend that you have colonoscopies more often.
Stool Tests
What is a stool-based test?
This type of colorectal cancer screening checks the stool for blood not seen by the naked eye. You’ll collect a sample at home and then send it to a lab. You’ll get your results within two weeks.
Sanford Health offers these stool tests:
- Sanford Polymedco Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
This test checks the stool for blood, which may be an early indicator of colorectal cancer. - Cologuard®
This FIT-DNA test checks the stool for blood and cancer DNA biomarkers.
Who should consider a stool-based test?
A stool-based test may be right for you if you do not have:
- Symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in your stool, abdominal pain, changes in your bowel habits or unplanned weight loss.
- A family history of a parent or sibling having colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
How do you prepare for a stool-based test?
Stool-based tests do not require the same preparation as a colonoscopy. You do not need to fast, follow a special diet or go to a clinic or hospital for a procedure. You can do the test at home on your own time. Collect your sample and mail it back the same day or the next day. Remember, some UPS® and post office locations are closed on Sundays and holidays.
How often are stool-based tests recommended?
If your results are normal, you should get screened every one to three years depending on the test. FIT tests need to be completed each year and Cologuard tests need to be completed every three years. If the results aren’t normal, you’ll need a colonoscopy.
How to Schedule a Colorectal Cancer Screening Test
Your primary care provider can order a stool-based test. They can also make a referral to schedule a colonoscopy if you have symptoms, family history or previous health history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
In most cases, colorectal cancer screenings are paid for by your insurance. Don’t let concerns about money be the reason you delay colorectal cancer screening.
Take the first step to get screened by scheduling a wellness visit with your primary care provider. Call your local clinic or make an appointment through My Sanford Chart.
Colorectal Cancer FAQs
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. Cancer starts when cells divide and grow uncontrollably. Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner wall of the colon, called a polyp. Not all polyps become cancerous, but some do.
How common is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, excluding skin cancers. One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
What is the risk of getting colorectal cancer?
The risk of developing colorectal cancer varies depending on personal risk factors.
Risk factors include:
- Age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases after age 45.
- Family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
- Past diagnosis of colorectal cancer
- History of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
Lifestyle risk factors include:
- Diet
- Heavy alcohol intake and tobacco use
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes