Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable. The key? Regular screenings.
“March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — the perfect time to take control of your health and make sure you’re up to date on your screenings,” said Dr. Scott Flinn, regional medical director for Provider Partnerships at Blue Shield of California. “Colorectal cancer can develop silently without symptoms for years — that’s why routine screenings are so important. They can detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable, or even help prevent it altogether.”
Are you at risk?
While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, some factors increase your risk. Age is the biggest one — your risk rises as you get older, which is why screening is recommended starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, especially in a parent or sibling, you may need to start even earlier.
Your lifestyle choices also play a role. Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, heavy alcohol use, lack of exercise and obesity can all increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your risk is also higher.
Watch for warning signs
“Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms, but when they do appear, they shouldn’t be ignored,” said Dr. Flinn. If you notice any of the following, talk to your doctor about getting screened as soon as possible:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in or on your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
How to get screened
Colorectal cancer can grow silently for years, which is why regular screenings are so important. If the cancer is caught early, before it spreads, the survival rate is 88%. By comparison, the survival rate if it has spread is only 16%. In some cases, screenings can even prevent cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.
Here are the primary ways to get screened for colorectal cancer:
- Colonoscopy: This procedure allows doctors to examine your colon and remove any polyps before they become cancerous. If your results are normal, you may only need one every 10 years. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted to the colon, allowing doctors to spot abnormalities and take biopsies if needed.
- Stool-based tests: These at-home tests can detect early-stage cancer by checking for traces of blood or DNA markers linked to colorectal cancer. They are non-invasive and typically only need to be repeated every one to three years, depending on the type of test.
- Blood tests: These newer tests are still being studied for effectiveness, particularly in lower-risk individuals.
“The best screening is the one you complete, so talk with your doctor about which one is best for you,” said Dr. Flinn. “If you’ve been putting off your screening, now is the time to schedule it. Early detection can save your life.”
Resources for Blue Shield of California members
- Visit our member website to find doctors and services.
- Learn more about coverage for preventive care and screenings.