Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is preventable. By knowing your individual risk and engaging in routine screenings, you have a better chance to prevent, catch, and treat any issues early.
Commit to regular screenings
Colon screenings are an essential part of prevention and are recommended based on age and health history:
- Ages 45-75: Everyone in this age group should be screened regularly. This typically includes a screening every 10 years for those at an average risk and shorter intervals for those with a high risk.
- Ages 76-85: Screenings should be based on individual health, past screening history, and personal preference.
The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the right timeframe and screening based on your individual health needs.
Discuss your screening options
Your doctor can help you decide the best screening option for you. These options can depend on your health, family history, lifestyle, and comfort level. Not all screening options may be available at all locations.
- FIT (fecal immunochemical test)
- Detects hidden blood in stool using antibodies
- Done at home
- Usually performed annually, based on individual risk
- Cologuard test (Stool and DNA test)
- Detects DNA changes and blood in stool
- Done at home
- Usually performed every three years, based on individual risk
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- Uses imaging to find small polyps in the colon
- Non-invasive (requires bowel prep)
- Usually performed every five years, based on individual risk
- Colonoscopy
- Detects and removes polyps, helping prevent cancer
- Uses a flexible tube to examine the colon (requires bowel prep and sedation)
- Usually performed every ten years, based on individual risk
Know your risk
As with many medical conditions, certain factors may put you at a higher risk of cancer. Ask yourself if any of these questions relate to you:
- Have you had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past?
- Do you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other genetic conditions?
- Do you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis?
- Do you experience, or have you experienced, symptoms like persistent stomach pain, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss?
If you think you may be high-risk for colon cancer based on answering yes to any of these questions above, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible to ensure you’re on schedule with appropriate screenings.
Lower your risk
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk and achieve colon health. Consider the following:
- Eat a balanced diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit red and processed meats.
- Stay active. Regular physical activity supports your digestive health and overall well-being.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Both smoking and excessive alcohol use can raise your risk.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients may play a role in cancer prevention.
Schedule your screening today
If you, or a loved one, are due for a screening, schedule a conversation with your doctor today. They can help you decide what screening is best and when to be screened.
If you need help scheduling an appointment with your doctor or have any questions about your health benefits, Quartz Customer Success can help. Call us at (800) 362-3310, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
