WHEN DETECTED AT
AN EARLIER STAGE, COLORECTAL CANCER MAY BE EASIER TO TREAT.¹

Q: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I GET MY FIRST COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING?

A: The age at which you should get your first colorectal screening depends on a variety of risk factors which you should discuss with your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends people with average risk factors get screened starting at age 45 and at regular intervals thereafter.¹ People with higher risk factors may need to be screened earlier and more frequently as recommended by their physician.¹

Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER?

A: Some of the most common risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

• Age. Your risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. About 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older.⁸ Although rates have declined in people 65 and older, rates are rising in people under 50.²
• Having inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.⁸
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.⁸
• Certain gene mutations inherited through your family. The most common inherited syndromes that can increase colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).⁹
• Ethnic background. People of African American descent have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than other races.⁹
• A sedentary lifestyle. A lack of physical activity increases your risk of colorectal cancer. Regular exercise may reduce your risk.⁹
• Obesity. Being significantly overweight may increase your chance of developing colorectal cancer.⁹
• Diabetes. Those with diabetes or insulin resistance are at a greater risk for colorectal cancer.⁹

Q: HOW COMMON IS COLORECTAL CANCER?

A: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. It is also the third most common cancer in men and in women, excluding some types of skin cancer.¹⁰ In 2021, it’s estimated that there will be 104,270 new cases of colorectal cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer diagnosed in the U.S.⁷

Q: WHAT IS A COLORECTAL POLYP?

A: Polyps are mushroom-shaped growths that can occur on the inside walls of your colon. They can become cancerous over time, and spread to other areas of the body.¹¹ About 2/3 of colon polyps are the precancerous type known as adenomas.¹² However, only 5% of adenomas progress to cancer.¹²

Q: WHAT ARE MY SCREENING OPTIONS?

A: Screening tests are the best way to locate and remove polyps that could eventually develop into colorectal cancer.¹¹ There are many screening options available. These include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Meet with your healthcare provider to discuss whether you should get screened and which screening method is right for you.