5 Savvy Tips for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The second leading cancer killer in the U.S.? That’s colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum. It affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups - and is most often found in people age 50 or older. 

Just because it most often affects older people doesn’t mean you should ignore this cancer in your younger years. Read on for five savvy tips that can keep you steps ahead of colorectal cancer. 

1. Colorectal cancer is on the rise for those younger than age 50.

More adults younger than age 45 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer than ever before. In fact, the rate has doubled since the1990s for those younger than 50. The reasons for this steady rise in colorectal cancer incidence and deaths in adults younger than 50 are not fully understood. 

2. 45 is the new 50 for colonoscopies.

Due to those rising rates, the recommended colorectal cancer screening age was lowered from 50 to 45 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The age you should have your first colonoscopy also depends on your risk factors, so talk to your provider about when to start.

3. A colonoscopy isn’t the only screening method. 

The standard recommendation is to have a colonoscopy every 10 years – unless there are abnormal findings. But this isn’t the only screening method. Talk to your provider about which screening tests are right for  you.

Virtual colonoscopy (every 5 years)

A CT scan is used to produce images of your abdominal organs. 

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to look at the lower part of your colon only.

Multitarget stool DNA test (every 3 years)

A stool sample is checked for biomarkers that are associated with colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas. Also called an mt-sDNA test. 

High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (every year)

More than one stool  sample is used to check for blood. Also called an HS-gFOBT. 

Fecal immunochemical test (every year)

A stool sample is checked for hidden blood. Also called a FIT test. 

An abnormal result for any of these tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy. For those 65 and older, Medicare provides coverage for certain colorectal cancer screenings, subject to certain coverage, frequency and payment limitations.

4. Preventing colorectal cancer can start at any age. 

The healthy habits you adopt now can help you stay ahead of the following risk factors for colorectal cancer:

• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• Diet high in red or processed meats
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use

5. Symptoms of colorectal cancers should be discussed right away with your provider.

Especially at first, colorectal cancers and polyps may not cause symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your provider about any of the following changes that can be caused by colorectal cancer: 

• Blood in or on stool
• Stomach pain or cramps that persist
• Bowel habit change lasting more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss

The good news is colorectal cancers can often be prevented - or diagnosed when treatment is most effective. To stay a step ahead, talk to your provider about your risk factors, screening recommendations and the healthy habits you can adopt now.