The Importance of Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common — and most preventable — cancers in the United States. Despite its prevalence, it often develops silently, with no early symptoms. This is why routine screening plays a critical role in saving lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. In 2022 alone, over 106,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 45,000 new cases of rectal cancer were reported. Alarming trends have also shown an increase in colorectal cancer among adults under 50, prompting changes in national screening guidelines.
The good news: when caught early through proper screening, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Understanding your risk and knowing when — and how — to get screened can make all the difference.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum, which are both part of the digestive tract. Most colorectal cancers begin as small, benign growths called polyps. Over time — often 10 to 15 years — some of these polyps can become cancerous if not removed.
Unlike many other types of cancer, colorectal cancer often develops without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue or anemia
Abdominal pain or cramping
Changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools)
Because these symptoms can overlap with less serious conditions, screening is the only way to catch colorectal cancer early — when it’s most treatable.
Who Should Get Screened — and When?
The current recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is for adults at average risk of colorectal cancer to begin screening at age 45. This reflects the growing number of cases being diagnosed in younger individuals since the mid-1990s.
You may be considered average risk if you:
Have no personal or family history of colorectal cancer
Have no history of large polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
Are not experiencing chronic gastrointestinal symptoms
For those with increased risk — such as a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions — screening may need to start earlier and occur more frequently. It’s essential to speak with your primary care provider to determine the right timeline based on your personal health history.
Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings
There are several effective screening options for detecting colorectal cancer — some performed in a clinical setting, others available for at-home use. The goal of any screening test is to detect cancer early or identify precancerous polyps before they develop into something more serious.
The most common colorectal cancer screening methods include:
Colonoscopy
Considered the gold standard. It allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum, enabling the detection and removal of polyps during the same procedure.Stool-based tests
These include fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (gFOBT), and multi-target DNA tests like Cologuard. They detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA in the stool.Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A less comprehensive version of a colonoscopy that only examines the lower part of the colon. Less commonly used today due to limited reach.CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
A specialized imaging test that creates a detailed picture of the colon using CT scans. This is a non-invasive option but still requires bowel preparation.
Each method has pros and cons related to accuracy, frequency, and preparation. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Colonoscopy vs At-Home Tests: What’s the Difference?
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist using a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. It requires bowel prep and usually sedation, but it is the most thorough option — allowing doctors to find and remove polyps in a single visit.
Recommended every 10 years for those at average risk, colonoscopy is also the next step if any other screening test returns a positive result.
At-Home Tests (e.g., Cologuard)
These tests are non-invasive and involve collecting a stool sample at home to detect signs of cancer or precancerous changes. They are more convenient and don’t require bowel prep or sedation, but they may miss some polyps and cancers.
Cologuard, for example, is typically recommended every 3 years for those at average risk — but a positive result must always be followed by a colonoscopy.
Both options play an important role in prevention. Choosing one depends on your risk level, preferences, and provider’s guidance.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is not only detectable at an early stage — but also preventable. Regular screenings can identify polyps before they become cancerous, significantly lowering your lifetime risk.
Catching colorectal cancer early improves outcomes, reduces the need for aggressive treatment, and increases survival rates. Whether you choose a colonoscopy or an at-home test, the most important step is simply to get screened — especially if you're 45 or older or have a family history of colorectal disease.
Conclusion
If you’ve been putting off your screening, now is the time to take action. Colorectal cancer can often be silent in its early stages, but screening brings it to light — before symptoms ever appear.
Have questions about your risk or which test is right for you? Schedule a visit with your primary care provider or connect with one of our specialists to start a prevention plan that fits your needs.
References
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Colorectal cancer statistics: How common is colorectal cancer? American Cancer Society. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 17). What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/symptoms.htm
Cologuard. (n.d.). At-home colon cancer screening test: COLOGUARD® patient site. Cologuard® . Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://www.cologuard.com/
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