Colon Cancer Screening: When Should You Get Tested?

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it's also one of the most preventable. Regular screening can detect colon cancer early, when it's most treatable. But when should you start getting screened? And what are the different options available?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk for colon cancer start screening at age 45. This is a change from previous guidelines, which recommended starting at age 50. The ACS says that the increased incidence of colon cancer in younger people is the reason for this change.

Who is at Increased Risk for Colon Cancer?

While age is the biggest risk factor for colon cancer, there are other factors that can increase your risk, such as:

• Family history of colon cancer
• Personal history of certain inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Certain genetic syndromes, like Lynch syndrome
• Race/ethnicity: Black Americans are disproportionately affected by colon cancer.
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables

If you have any of these risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier than age 45. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

What are the Different Types of Colon Cancer Screening?

There are a number of different colon cancer screening tests available, including:

• Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or other abnormalities. This is the only test that can both detect and remove polyps.
• Stool DNA tests: These tests look for traces of blood and abnormal DNA in your stool, which can indicate the presence of colon cancer or polyps.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon, the sigmoid colon.
• Barium enema: This test uses X-rays to examine the colon.

Your doctor can help you determine which screening test is right for you, based on your age, risk factors, and personal preferences.

What Happens if Colon Cancer is Found During Screening?

If colon cancer is found during screening, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

How Often Should You Get Screened?

How often you need to get screened depends on your age, risk factors, and the type of screening test you have. For example, if you have a colonoscopy, you may only need to get screened every 10 years. But if you have a stool DNA test, you may need to get screened more often.

Talk to your doctor about how often you should get screened. They can help you develop a personalized screening schedule.

Conclusion

Regular colon cancer screening is an important part of staying healthy. It can help to detect cancer early, when it's most treatable. If you're over 45, talk to your doctor about getting screened. And if you have any risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about starting screening earlier.