Colorectal cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in both men and women in the United States, but here’s the good news: it is also one of the most preventable. With routine screening, precancerous growths called polyps can be found and removed before they ever become cancer. And when colorectal cancer is caught early, the chances of successful treatment improve dramatically.
At Advance Medical of Naples, we believe that education is the first step toward prevention. This March, during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing the facts so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Why Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer often develops without any symptoms in its early stages. That’s why routine screening is so critical. Polyps can take 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer, which means regular screening gives your healthcare provider a window of opportunity to catch and remove them early. By the time symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss appear, the cancer may be more advanced.
When Should You Start Screening?
Current guidelines from both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend the following:
- Ages 45 – 75 (Average Risk): Begin regular screening. Multiple test options are available.
- Ages 76 – 85: Screening decisions should be individualized based on your overall health and prior screening history.
- Higher Risk Individuals: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), or a known genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome, talk to your provider about starting to screen earlier, sometimes as early as age 40 or younger.
Notably, colorectal cancer rates among younger adults have been rising in recent years, which is one reason the recommended starting age was lowered from 50 to 45.
Your Screening Options
There are several effective ways to screen for colorectal cancer. Your provider can help determine which option is best for you:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years): The gold standard. A physician examines the entire colon and can remove polyps during the procedure. Requires preparation (bowel prep) and sedation.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test / FIT (annual): A simple at-home stool test that detects hidden blood. No special preparation needed.
- Stool DNA Test / Cologuard® (every 1–3 years): An at-home test that detects both blood and DNA changes associated with cancer.
- CT Colonography / Virtual Colonoscopy (every 5 years): Uses imaging to examine the colon. Less invasive than traditional colonoscopy but still requires bowel prep.
Keep in mind: if any at-home or non-colonoscopy test returns an abnormal result, a follow-up diagnostic colonoscopy will be needed to complete the screening process.
Know Your Risk Factors
While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, certain factors may increase your risk:
- Being 45 or older
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
- A genetic syndrome such as Lynch syndrome or FAP
- A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or a diet high in processed meats
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- A history of radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis
Act This Month
If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, or if you’re overdue, now is the perfect time to schedule your screening. Don’t wait for symptoms. A screening could be the most important appointment you make this year.
Call Advance Medical of Naples at (239) 206-2525 to talk with your provider about which screening option is right for you. You can also request an appointment through our website at www.advmednaples.com/contact.
Your health is our priority. Let’s work together to stay ahead of colorectal cancer.
