Colon cancer screening
Finding colon cancer early could save your life. Doctors recommend getting your first colon cancer screening test at age 45. Schedule an appointment at 1-702-933-1388.
What you need to know
Colorectal (colon) cancer starts in the colon or rectum. It usually begins as a polyp, which is a clump of abnormal cells. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Colon cancer affects men and women, and chances of getting it increase as you get older.
The statistics speak for themselves:
- Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.1
- 51,000 Americans die from colon cancer every year.
- Getting recommended screenings could prevent at least 60% of these deaths.
- 33% of people ages 50 to 75 in the U.S. haven't been screened for colon cancer.2
Start getting screened at age 45
Screenings look for cancer before you have symptoms. This helps find problems earlier, when they're easier to treat. We offer 3 screenings.
Colonoscopy is best for finding cancer early
This is done by a doctor at a testing center. Any polyps found are removed during the test. Normal results are good for 10 years.
Cologuard® finds 92% of cancers
This at-home test is a good choice if you can't have a colonoscopy. You mail a stool sample to a lab. Normal results are good for 3 years.
A FIT test finds 70% to 80% of cancers
You do this simple, low-cost test at home, then mail a stool sample to a lab. Normal results are good for 1 year.
Facts and fears about colonoscopies
The most effective way to lower your chances of getting colon cancer is getting recommended screenings, especially a colonoscopy. Even so, many people put off getting screened. Reasons include fear, embarrassment and concerns about cost. So it's good to know that:
- A colonoscopy takes only 30 minutes or so.
- It's the best way to stop colon cancer.
- Preparing for it isn't fun but it's important.
- Most insurance plans cover colonoscopies.
Your health and family history play a role in colon cancer
Your health and family history could increase your chances of getting colon cancer, for example, having a close relative with colon cancer. This may mean you need to get screened even before age 45. So be sure to talk with your doctor. Questions to ask include:
- Why do I need a screening?
- What type of screening do I need?
- What will a screening test tell me?
- How often will I need to be screened?
6 questions to ask your doctor
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Sources:
- U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2022 submission data (1999-2020): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; released in November 2023.
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. Last reviewed March 22, 2023. Accessed February 14, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Are the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer? Last reviewed February 23, 2023. Accessed February 14, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Rates Higher in African Americans, Rising in Younger People. Last revised September 3, 2020. Accessed February 14, 2024.
- National Institutes of Health. Colorectal cancer screening for patients with a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomas. November 2019. Accessed February 14, 2024.