Screening Saves Lives: Get screened for Colorectal Cancer
When caught early, Colorectal Cancer is 90% curable. Yet in the US, Colorectal Cancer, is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the 4th leading cause in women. Screening is cancer prevention!
Colon cancer Fast Facts:
- Your risk of colon cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50
- One in three adults over 50 are not getting screened.
- In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined.*
- When caught early, colon cancer is 90% curable
Who should have Colorectal Cancer Screening:
Inspired Health Group providers typically suggest that patients have colorectal cancer screenings, beginning at 45 years of age. There are several different screening options that you and your provider can review and determine which option is most appropriate for you. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of care with frequency dependent on risk factors, such as family history, previous exams and results.
Colorectal Screening options:
Most people are familiar with colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of care with frequency dependent on risk factors, such as family history, previous exams and results. Without elevated risk factors, having a colonoscopy every 10 years typically recommended.
Additional testing options such as the at home test kit, Cologuard, and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) are appropriate with frequencies at 3 and 1 year respectively. Learn more about Cologuard!
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for colon cancer and colon cancer screenings. Often times, the sooner cancer is detected, the more options a patient has for care.
- Lauren Robinson, Physician Assistant
*Cancer statistic from Cancer.org
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