45 is the new 50: Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Colon and rectal cancer screening is one of the most effective things you can do for your long-term health — and the recommended age to start is younger than many people think.

What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Colorectal cancer screening is a way that doctors check the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or growths called polyps that might become cancer. It is done in people who have no symptoms and no reason to think that they have cancer.

The goal is to find and remove polyps before they become cancer, or to find cancer early — before it grows, spreads, or causes problems.

When Should You Start?

Doctors recommend that most people begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

"Up until last year, the common recommendations from all the societies were to start screening at age 50, but now it is recommended that adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45," says Ahsan Basha, MD, Riverside oncologist.

People who have an increased risk of getting colon cancer sometimes begin screening at a younger age. That might include people with a strong family history of colon cancer, or people with diseases of the colon such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Types of Screening Tests

There are several different screening options. Your provider can help you decide which is right for you.

Colonoscopy allows the doctor to see directly inside the entire colon. This is the most thorough test because it finds most small polyps and almost all large polyps and cancers. If found, polyps can be removed right away — before they become cancerous.

Cologuard Stool DNA Test checks for genetic markers of cancer as well as signs of blood. For this test, you receive a special kit to collect a stool sample and mail it back to the Cologuard lab.

Stool Test for Blood checks for blood in small samples of stool. You collect the samples at home using a kit from your doctor or nurse and return them to the office.

Talk to Your Doctor

"Screening means you're looking for something before you develop symptoms," says Dr. Basha. "This is why it's important to talk with your primary care provider to determine which colorectal cancer screening test is best for you."