When should you be tested for colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women in the United States, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when statistics for men and women are combined.

No matter your age, now is the time to learn your potential risk level for developing colorectal cancer and the necessity of regular screenings. Take our colorectal cancer risk assessment today.
Image

Colon Cancer Screening

A colonoscopy helps reduce your risk of cancer while also detecting it in one procedure.
Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 chances (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 chances (4.0%) for women. A number of other factors (colorectal cancer risk factors) can also affect someone's risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Why a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is the best way doctors can detect and also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Nearly all colorectal cancers begin with a pre-cancerous polyp in the colon or rectum. These polyps can be detected and then removed during a routine screening.

Additional screenings for colon cancer

Though a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings, there are other tests your doctor may recommend.