Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the US. According to the American Cancer Society Society, about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 24 women will develop this cancer at some point in their lives.
Screening and early detection is the key to effective treatment. All men and women aged 45 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer, and should be screened. It is recommended that some people with a family history of colon cancer be screened at age 40, or sooner, depending on the details of the family history.
Screening is beneficial for two main reasons: colorectal cancer is preventable if polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed, and it is curable if the cancer is detected in its early stages. Between 80-90% of colorectal cancer patients are restored to normal health if their cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. The most effective screening method is COLONOSCOPY.
The Bottom Line: If you’re 45 or older, talk with your health care provider about getting screened.
For more information:
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Source:
American Cancer Society. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf
Information submitted by:
Brooke Hayes, BSN, RN, CGRN
Practice Manager, Randolph Health Gastroenterology
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