Prevent Colon Cancer with Regular Screening

Assuming you’re in good health is no substitute for knowing with 100% certainty. While you may go about your day thinking nothing is wrong, the only way to know for sure is by scheduling regular screenings. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, learn about the prevalence of colorectal cancers and how early detection can provide peace of mind for the future.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a broad term that describes numerous types of cancers originating in the colon or rectum. This group of cancers usually begin as polyps — or abnormal growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum — and may consist of the following:

  • Carcinoid tumors originate from hormone-producing cells in the intestine.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start from nerve cells in the wall of the GI tract. This type is most found in the stomach and small intestine.
  • Lymphomas come from immune system cells mostly beginning in the lymph nodes. However, they may also start in the colon and rectum, among other organs.
  • Sarcomas may start in the blood vessels, muscle layers, and other connective tissues in the wall of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal Cancer Statistics

The American Cancer Society estimates about 154,270 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2025; of those, 107,320 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed along with 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer. The rate of diagnosis has declined every year since the 1980s, thanks in part to early screening awareness and lifestyle changes among the public. However, incidence rates in patients younger than 50 rose by 2.4% per year from 2012-2021. Lifetime, the risk for developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.

Early Detection & Screening

Thankfully, colorectal cancers can be detected very early in their development with outpatient screenings . Screening methods such as a CT colonography (also called a virtual colonoscopy), a sigmoidoscopy, and stool-based tests like a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can help detect the presence of cancer, but the most effective screening is a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a physician uses a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end — called a colonoscope — to examine the entire length of the colon and rectum. Polyps may be removed during the colonoscopy, which only takes about a half-hour. Patients are sedated through the colonoscopy and feel no pain or discomfort.

Patients at average risk should schedule regular colonoscopies every 10 years beginning at age 45. Those at average risk are patients who do not have the following:

  • Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Personal history of an irritable bowel disorder like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
  • Personal history of receiving radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Patients in good health and that are expected to live longer than 10 years should continue screening through age 75. For patients ages 76-85, screening should be based on the patient’s preferences along with life expectancy, overall health, and medical history. After age 85, colorectal cancer screenings are no longer needed.

Secure peace of mind and ensure many more happy, healthy years — schedule a colonoscopy at the Outpatient Specialty Clinics today! For more information or to schedule your procedure, call the Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Outpatient Department at 217-854-3141 ext. 250.

Posted in Healthy Habits Brief on Mar 07, 2025