March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- posted: Mar. 06, 2026
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is a major health concern, but it is also highly preventable. In the U.S., it is the second leading cause of cancer death, yet it is very treatable if caught early.
The Call to Action: Get Screened at 45
Guidelines now recommend that everyone at average risk start screening at age 45. Rates of this cancer are rising in younger adults, making early detection more important than ever.
Know Your Risk Factors
You are at higher risk if you have:
- A family history of colon or rectal cancer.
- A personal history of cancer or polyps (small growths that can become cancer).
- Health conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Certain genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome.
- Note on Ethnicity: Black Americans are 15% more likely to develop this cancer and 35% more likely to die from it than non-Hispanic whites.
Screening Options: Quality and Frequency
| Test Type | Quality / Reliability | How Often? |
|---|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | The "Gold Standard." It finds and removes polyps during the same visit. | Every 10 years |
| Stool-DNA (Cologuard) | Tests for blood and DNA changes in your stool at home. | Every 1 to 3 years |
| FIT or gFOBT | Simple home tests that look for hidden blood in the stool. | Every year |
| Blood Tests (Shield) | Non-invasive; predicted 87.5% of non-metastatic cases in trials. | Discuss with doctor |
| CT Colonography | A "virtual" colonoscopy using X-rays to create images. | Every 5 years |
Important: If a stool or blood test comes back positive, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to get a final diagnosis.
Cost and Convenience
Many people can access no-cost preventive screenings through their insurance, as these tests are recommended by national health task forces. Home-based stool tests are often preferred by patients because they are convenient and do not require the special "prep" or fasting needed for a colonoscopy.
The Risks of Waiting
Choosing not to screen is dangerous because colon cancer often has no symptoms in early stages.
- Lower Survival: If found early, the 5-year survival rate is over 91%. If found late, it is much harder to treat.
- Missed Prevention: Screening can prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps before they ever turn into cancer.
- Rising Danger: By 2030, this is predicted to be the #1 cause of cancer death for people ages 20–49.
Don't wait for symptoms like bloody stools or stomach pain. Talk to your doctor today about which test is right for you.
Contact Information
