How can you prevent colorectal cancer?
Free Personalized Screening Recommendation
Learn about which colorectal cancer screening options are best for you based on your personal risk factors.
If you would like to talk to one of our patient navigators, call our helpline at (877) 422-2030.
Screening saves lives
Screening (testing for colorectal cancer) is the No. 1 way you can prevent colon cancer and rectal cancer.
With screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are also highly treatable if caught early. That’s why on-time screening is essential and lifesaving. Screening should begin at age 45.
Below learn:
- When you should be screened
- Risk factors, including genetics and family history
- Screening methods
- Common symptoms
When it comes to screening, tomorrow can’t wait. Take our screening pledge to show an important commitment to your health.
Take a short quiz to learn more about which screening options are best for you based on your personal risk factors.
153,020
Estimated colorectal cancer cases in 2023.
1 in 24
Average lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer.
1 In 3
Eligible adults is not getting screened.
When you should be screened
All men and women without a family history of colorectal cancer should begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.
If you have certain risk factors, you may need to be screened earlier than 45. Speak with your trusted healthcare professional about developing a screening plan for you. They can recommend how and when you should be screened.
Is this you? Here's what to do.
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I'm experiencing symptoms.
Talk with your doctor immediately. Symptoms include a change in bowel habits, bleeding, pain, and narrowing stool.
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I have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Get screened at 40 or 10 years before the age at which your immediate family member was diagnosed.
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I am African American.
Get screened at age 45.
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I have Lynch syndrome, FAP, MAP, or another related genetic condition.
Regular colonoscopy screening should start in your early 20s. Speak with your doctor about a prevention plan. Also, alert immediate family members to your diagnosis. They should begin screening, too.
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I’ve had cancer.
Talk with your doctor for a prevention plan and about getting screened before the age of 45.
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I have an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
Talk with your doctor for a prevention plan and about getting screened before the age of 45.
Video: Get screened for colorectal cancer
Valerie Lee, M.D., is a medical oncologist with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Learn when and why you should get screened for colorectal cancer.
Screening methods
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a simple and safe procedure in which your doctor uses a long tube with a light and camera to detect polyps. Polyps can be removed during the procedure if found. This is the standard test for colorectal cancer screening.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFBOT)
Tests for blood that comes from a tumor or polyp. Users swab bowel movement and place it on a card, then send it to a lab for analysis. This test is done at home and is fairly inexpensive. A colonoscopy will be required if blood is detected.
Stool DNA
Tests for abnormal DNA and blood in stool. Users collect their bowel movement with an apparatus included in a kit at home, then send it to the lab for analysis. This test is more expensive than the FIT if it’s not covered by insurance. A follow-up colonoscopy will be needed if the test detects cancer or pre-cancer.
Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Tests for blood that comes from a tumor or polyp. Users swab bowel movement and place it on a card, then send it to a lab for analysis. This test is done at home and is fairly inexpensive. A colonoscopy will be required if blood is detected.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This test, like a colonoscopy, is done at a doctor’s office. It can detect and remove polyps. No sedation is required. This test views only the left part of the colon, meaning it can miss tumors developing on the right side. A colonoscopy is needed if larger polyps or other issues are detected.
Virtual colonoscopy
Uses X-rays and computers to take 2- or 3-D images of your colon and rectum. This is an expensive test and not covered by all insurance carriers. If a polyp is found, a colonoscopy will be needed.
Symptoms list
Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms. It's vital to talk to a doctor if symptoms do appear. These may include:
A change in bowel habits
Including diarrhea, constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool or finding your stools are narrower than usual
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Such as cramps, gas, or pain and/or feeling full, bloated or that your bowel does not empty completely
Rectal bleeding
Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
Weakness or fatigue
Can also accompany losing weight for no known reason, nausea or vomiting
Colorectal cancer symptoms can also be associated with many other health conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of your symptoms. Early signs of cancer often do not include pain. It is important not to wait before seeing a doctor. Early detection can save your life.
Live a healthy colon lifestyle
Beyond screening, there are many things you can do to live a healthy colon lifestyle. Know your risk factors [download resource] and family history [English / Spanish]. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right or changes, take control and speak to your doctor.
Tips for a healthy colon:
- Eat fiber (fruits and vegetables)
- Drink plenty of water
- Take in whole grains
- Drink low-fat or fat-free milk
- Eat lean proteins (chicken, turkey) instead of processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meat)
- Reduce excess sugar and fried foods
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise regularly
- Monitor bathroom habits for any changes
Genetics and family history
The majority of colorectal cancer patients do not have a family history or genetic connection to the disease. This is when the cancer occurs by chance, and is often called “sporadic cancer.”
However, in some families, we see more cancer than we would expect. About one in four patients have a family history of colorectal cancer that could suggest a genetic and/or hereditary factor.
A family history of colorectal cancer, that is, an immediate family member (parent, brother, sister) or multiple family members with colorectal cancer or polyps, puts you at an increased risk for the disease.
Take our colorectal cancer risk quiz to see if genetic testing might be right for you if colorectal cancer runs in your family.
You can also fill out our “Family Health History Tree” to see if close relatives have had cancer. If multiple family members have had cancer, you may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
Resources
LIVE A HEALTHY COLON LIFESTYLE
These tips can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and promote a healthy colon.
KNOW YOUR RISK
Some colorectal cancer risk factors we can control, and some we can't. Learn more with this resource.
TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS
Use this resource to track your symptoms and share them with your doctor.
Family Health History Tree
We highly recommend learning about your family’s health history. It could save a loved one’s life or yours.
Need help?
Our team of certified patient and family navigators is here to assist you.
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