Taking Charge of Your Health: The Vital Role of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and can be deadly if not caught early. Fortunately, screening for colorectal cancer can help detect the disease in its earliest stages when it is most treatable. Despite this, many people are still not getting screened as often as they should. In this blog post, we will explore the vital role of colorectal cancer screening and why it is so important to take charge of your health by getting screened. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of medical experts that makes evidence-based recommendations for preventive healthcare services, recommends screening for colorectal cancer in all adults aged 50 to 75 years. By the end of this post, we hope to provide you with a clear understanding of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and encourage you to take the necessary steps to prioritize your health.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum begin to grow out of control and form a mass, or tumor. Over time, these cancerous cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

How common is Colorectal Cancer?

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023, there will be approximately 153,020 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,550 deaths from the disease in the US alone.

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and more than 90% of cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. However, colorectal cancer can affect people of all ages, and the incidence of the disease is rising among younger adults.

By getting screened according to recommended guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer and increase your chances of successful treatment if the disease is detected.

Why is it important to get regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings?

Colorectal cancer screening is crucial because it can detect the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable. When colorectal cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 90%, compared to a five-year survival rate of only 14% for advanced cases.

Regular screening can also help prevent colorectal cancer from developing in the first place. Most cases of colorectal cancer develop from precancerous polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. If these polyps are detected and removed during a screening test, colorectal cancer can often be prevented altogether.

Colorectal cancer screening can also help identify people who are at a higher risk of developing the disease due to factors such as age, family history, or genetic predisposition. For these individuals, earlier and more frequent screening may be recommended to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment.

Take charge of your health today!

Taking charge of your health by getting a colorectal cancer screening is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from this deadly disease. By getting screened regularly, you can catch colorectal cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable, or even prevent it from developing altogether by removing precancerous polyps.

While the thought of getting screened for colorectal cancer may seem daunting or uncomfortable, the potential benefits far outweigh any temporary discomfort or inconvenience. Remember that early detection is key when it comes to colorectal cancer, and regular screening is the best way to ensure early detection and successful treatment.

So, if you are due for a colorectal cancer screening or are unsure about when to begin screening, talk to your primary care provider. They can provide you with the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your health and ensure that you receive the appropriate screening at the right time. Don’t wait – take charge of your health today and prioritize your colorectal cancer screening. It could save your life.

If you are due for your Colorectal Cancer Screening or would like to talk to a healthcare provider at The Doctors Center about your screening find a location near you CLICK HERE.