Colorectal cancer — or cancer that starts in the colon or rectum — is one of the most common cancer diagnosed in the US, and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women.
In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, doctors recommend that adults with an average risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening around age 45, while those with an increased risk (e.g. a family history of colorectal cancer) should consider screening sooner.
Several screening tests can be used to find colorectal cancer or polyps: small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon and can develop into cancer. Your doctor will determine which test is right for you.
To learn about your screening options or to schedule an appointment, please call the number below.
Adults with an average risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening around age 45, while those with an increased risk (e.g. a family history of colorectal cancer) should consider screening sooner. Adults in good health with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue screening through the age of 75.
The right screening for you depends on multiple factors, including your preferences, medical condition, and personal or family history of colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
This depends on your risk factors (e.g. a family history of colorectal cancer), as well as the type of screening. A colonoscopy, for example, should be conducted every ten years for someone with an average risk of colorectal cancer, while a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) should be performed every five years. Talk to your doctor to determine the right screening and cadence.
Risk factors aren’t exclusively related to family history. Multiple variables can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, including:
Age
The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age; the vast majority (90%) of new cases occur in people ages 50 or older.
Family history
The risk for colorectal cancer increases if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis (FA), or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Inflammatory bowel diseases
These include Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Not being physically active
People who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer.Being overweight or obese. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer than those at a normal weight.
Being overweight or obese
People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer than those at a normal weight.
Poor diet
A diet high in fat and processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
Using tobacco
Using tobacco increases your risk for colorectal cancer.
Drinking alcohol
Studies show that a person’s risk for colorectal cancer increases with the more alcohol they drink.
Learn more about lowering your risks