The Importance of Regular Colon Cancer Screenings

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Referred by many as the “silent killer”, because of its lack of symptoms, it is often not diagnosed until it's in the later stages. This makes receiving treatment difficult. However, early screening can help lead to a complete cure.Today about 1.4 million Americans have survived colon cancer largely due to early detection. Through educational initiatives such as Colon Cancer Month, early detection and treatment programs more people can be diagnosed early and have a better chance of survival. 

Why Is Early Screening Important?

  • Early Detection: Screening tests can find colorectal cancer early, when it's often easier to treat and cure. 

  • Preventing Cancer: Many colon cancers start as polyps, which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Screening can detect and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, effectively preventing the disease. 

  • Increased Survival Rates: When caught early, colorectal cancer has a much higher chance of survival. 

  • Reduced Mortality: Screening has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer mortality. 

  • More treatment options: Finding cancer early, when it's small and hasn't spread, often allows for more treatment options. 

Benefits of Early Screening: 

  • Decrease the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Increasing screening prevalence to 80% could reduce the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer by 22% by 2030

  • Reduce deaths. Increasing screening prevalence to 80% could reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 33% by 2030 deaths. Increasing screening prevalence to 80% could reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 33% by 2030

  • Prevent or detect cancer sooner when it is easier to treat. Almost 89% of adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an early stage live for 5 years or more, compared to only 16% of those diagnosed with late-stage cancer

Types of Screenings

There are different types of ways in which you can do early screening. Here a few of the ways:

  • Colonoscopy:
    A procedure where a long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to visualize the entire colon. 

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT):
    A test that looks for hidden blood in stool, which can indicate colon cancer or other problems. 

  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT):
    Similar to FOBT, but uses a different method to detect blood in stool. 

  • Stool Gene Testing:
    A newer test that looks for altered DNA in stool, which can indicate colon cancer. 

Who Should Get Screened? 

  • General Recommendations:
    Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • Increased Risk:
    People with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or more frequently. 

  • Discuss with your doctor:
    It's important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and the best screening options for you. 

If you are interested in doing an early detection, it is important to speak with a doctor about your risk factors and if so what type of screening options work best for you. If you have any other questions regarding early screening and your options, contact us today. 


Andres Moreno