Healthy Families | What to Know About Colorectal Cancer Screening
How do you know if you need colorectal cancer screening even if you feel perfectly fine?
Colorectal cancer often develops silently, beginning as a small polyp that causes no symptoms. Many patients feel completely healthy and assume they are not at risk. However, screening is the only reliable way to detect polyps before they develop into cancer. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a greater than 90% five-year survival rate.
Screening is recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. If you are 45 or older, it is important to begin discussing screening options with your provider.
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it allows providers to examine the colon and remove polyps during the same procedure. For patients who qualify, Cologuard offers a convenient, noninvasive at-home testing option that detects hidden blood and abnormal DNA markers. It requires no bowel preparation, no sedation, and no dietary restrictions. Results are valid for three years.
Cologuard is appropriate for adults 45 and older who are considered average risk. Patients with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, prior polyps, or symptoms should undergo colonoscopy instead.
If a Cologuard result is positive, it does not mean cancer is present. It simply indicates that further evaluation, typically a colonoscopy, is necessary.
Early detection saves lives. Talk with your provider today about which screening option is right for you.