Colorectal Cancer Screening and Risk Reduction

Colon Cancer is Preventable and Treatable

Understanding your risk for colon cancer is the best way to prevent it, and early detection is the best way to treat it.

The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently revised their guidelines to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Contact your health insurance provider to learn about coverage information for colorectal screening.

The risk for colorectal cancer is real for both men and women.

Need a colonoscopy?

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Colorectal cancer screening saves lives

Colorectal cancer screening Info GraphicGet the facts, risk factors and screening options.

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Colorectal cancer, sometimes called colon and rectal cancers, often begins as a growth called a polyp. A polyp is a growth of abnormal cells that may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancer over time.  Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States are over 151,000 new cases for 2022. It is expected to cause about 52,580 deaths during this year.

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Shared Goal: Reaching 80% screened for colorectal cancer

American Cancer Society Logo

80% in Every Community is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative that continues the progress and commitment from 80% by 2018, and reemphasizes our dedication to partnership, collective action, and the pooling of resources to reach 80% colorectal cancer screening rates nationally. We are working toward the shared efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in every community. Learn more.

Everyone is at some risk for developing cancer of the colon or rectum, collectively known as colorectal cancer. And everyone can take steps to reduce his or her risk. In fact, about 90 percent of colorectal cancers may be preventable.

  • Are you 45 or older?
  • Are you at high risk for colon cancer?
  • Ask your doctor about a screening today

In the United States, the average lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 5 percent, or one in 20. You may be at higher risk if one or more of the following factors apply to you:

Learn the factors and how to lower risk

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests: What’s right for you?

Talk to your doctor about the best screening method for you.

Colonoscopy facts
Providence Medical Group FIT

Providence Medical Group patients can have a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit mailed to their home with a postage-paid return envelope. Ask your doctor for details.

Four steps you can take to prevent colon cancer

One of the things that makes cancer so frightening is that its causes are so often unknown or out of our control. With colorectal cancer, though, much is within our control. By some estimates, this form of cancer is 90 percent preventable.

So why is it still the second-leading cause of cancer deaths? One reason could be that people just aren't aware that there are steps they can take to prevent it. Let's change that.

The scientific evidence points to four actions you can take that will greatly reduce your risk of developing this deadly cancer:

  • Take 30 minutes a day to exercise
  • Take a closer look at what you eat
  • Take another shot at quitting smoking
  • Take your doctor's advice about screenings

Read the full article.