Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States (trailing only lung cancer) and results in almost 55,230 deaths in the US each year. In fact, for those who do not smoke, colon cancer poses a greater risk of causing death than any other malignancy.
More than 90% of colon cancer deaths could be prevented with timely removal of precancerous polyps.
Who is at risk?
The simple answer is everyone. Recent studies show that 4% of the US population (more than 1 in 25) will develop colon cancer, with both men (4%) and women (3.8%) being at risk. The death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping by about 1.5% per year in older adults during the past decade. There are a number of likely reasons for this. Colorectal polyps are now being found more often by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening also results in many colorectal cancers being found earlier, when they are likely to be easier to treat. In addition, treatments for colorectal cancer have improved over the last few decades. In people under 55, death rates have been increasing about 1% per year since the mid-2000s. The risk for colon cancer is even greater for those who have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease are also at increased risk.
Can it be prevented? Absolutely.
Colon cancer begins as polyps which grow slowly over several years before developing into cancer. This provides a "window of opportunity" where polyps can be removed before they become malignant or cancerous. Several studies prove that removing these polyps can decrease or virtually eliminate the chances of developing cancer in the future. Screening tests can also detect colon cancer early while the chances of beneficial outcomes are greater.
Who should be screened?
- Everyone 45 or over.
- For people with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, screening should begin at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest relative's diagnosis, whichever comes first.
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease should discuss appropriate screening intervals with their physician.
What screening tests are available?
There are several tests to screen for colon cancer, including:
- Colonoscopy.
- Barium enema.
- Fecal occult blood testing.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Most authorities agree that the most complete and thorough screening method is colonoscopy, which has the unique advantage of being the only test which is both diagnostic and therapeutic. In other words, if polyps or tumors are found during the exam, they can be removed or biopsied at the same time.
Getting screened could save your life.
Patient experience has shown that:
- Colon cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum.
- Over time, some polyps turn into cancer.
- Screening tests identify polyps which can be removed before becoming cancerous.
- When detected early, the chances of curing colon cancer are excellent.
The good news:
Over 90% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented with appropriate screening and timely removal of precancerous polyps. In fact, colon cancer is one of the few types of cancer that can actually be prevented, which makes it all the more important to consider your risk for the disease and take steps to be tested at the appropriate time.
Will colon cancer screening be covered by my insurance?
In Texas, the screening should be covered thanks to Bill SB1467, which mandated that insurance companies cover the cost of screening for patients of average risk over the age of 45 (high-risk patients were already covered).
What are the symptoms?
Colon cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it has become quite advanced, which is why screening tests are so important. By the time symptoms develop, treatment may be more difficult. You should notify your physician if you notice any of the following:
- Blood in the stool.
- A change in the pattern of bowel habits.
- Frequent abdominal pain, gas, or cramping.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
Note: The materials presented in this section are for general information and do not substitute for medical advice. Patients have the right to receive accurate, easily understood information about their health plans, professionals, and facilities, and to a choice of health care providers sufficient to ensure access to appropriate high-quality health care.