03/07/2025
Sovereign Direct Primary Care Health Tips Series: March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!
Screening for colon cancer can save lives!
!!! Important Note: The following is for educational purposes only and to improve awareness of colon cancer screening. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your primary care physician regarding cancer screening methods that are appropriate for you. Early detection and treatment can save lives, but all medical tests have both benefits and risks. These recommendations are generally for those adults of average risk. If you have reason to be at elevated risk for colon cancer, or other potential cancer, please discuss those risks with your doctor.
!!! Important Note: Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if symptoms (e.g., blood in stool, unexplained weight loss) or risk factors are present.
Current colon cancer screening recommendations in the United States are primarily guided by organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
These recommendations are based on the latest evidence and may vary slightly depending on risk factors. Here’s a breakdown of the most widely accepted guidelines:
1.) USPSTF (US Preventive Services Task Force).
The USPSTF recommends starting screening at age 45 for adults at average risk.
2.) ACS (American Cancer Society)
The ACS also recommends starting at age 45.
3.) ACG (American College of Gastroenterology)
The ACG suggests starting at age 50 for average-risk individuals but acknowledge 45 as an option, especially for certain populations (e.g., Black Americans, who have higher incidence and mortality rates).
Methods of Screening:
Colonoscopy: Every 10 years if results are normal. This is the gold standard as it can both detect and remove precancerous polyps.
Stool-Based Tests: F***l Immunochemical Test (FIT) every year or High-Sensitivity Guaiac-Based F***l Occult Blood Test (gFOBT) every year.
Multi-Targeted Stool DNA Test (e.g., "Cologuard"): Every 3 years.
Positive stool tests typically require a follow-up colonoscopy.
Another option: Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (or 10 years if combined with annual FIT), though this only examines the lower portion of the colon (where most cancers occur).
Imaging Option: CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) every 5 years.
When to Stop:
The USPSTF recommends routine screening from ages 45 to 75.
For ages 76 to 85, screening should be individualized based on overall health, life expectancy, and prior screening history.
Screening is generally not recommended after age 85.
Higher-Risk Individuals
Family History: If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, screening should begin at age 40 or 10 years before the age of their diagnosis, whichever is earlier, typically with colonoscopy every 5–10 years.
Personal History: Individuals with a history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) may need earlier and more frequent screening, as determined by a doctor.
Genetic Conditions: Those with syndromes like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) require specialized screening, often starting in their 20s or earlier, with colonoscopy every 1–2 years.
Notes:
The shift to age 45 for average-risk screening reflects the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, though research continues to refine these guidelines.
