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Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. It’s the third most common cancer in adults, but when it’s caught early, it can be curable in up to 90% of cases. Routine screenings help detect cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer, including at-home tests or a colonoscopy – which is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings. Talk to your primary care doctor to determine which test is right for you. We also recommend contacting your health insurance provider to learn if your screening will be covered.
We make it easy for you. Providence offers convenient screening locations across the Portland metropolitan area. If we find something that needs a second look, our team has all the expertise to support you through your care.
It’s important to get screened for colorectal cancer even if you don’t have symptoms. Colorectal cancer cells tend to grow slowly, and symptoms often don’t arise until the disease is more advanced.
The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend the following screening schedule:
- Age 45: Start regular screenings if you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about earlier screenings if you have factors that increase your risk.
- Age 45-75: Continue regular screenings.
- Age 76-85: Talk to your doctor about whether screenings should continue based on your personal preference, overall health and prior screening history.
- Age 85+: You no longer require regular colorectal cancer screenings.
Talk with your doctor if you have a strong family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps; they may recommend getting screened before age 45. Other risk factors may include having a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or receiving radiation therapy in the abdomen or pelvis.
A colonoscopy is a safe outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes and diagnoses conditions in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including cancer, polyps – which are growths in the intestinal tract – and ulcers. This screening has the highest detection rates for colorectal cancer, and early diagnosis dramatically improves survival rates.
Colonoscopies are a powerful tool to help prevent colorectal cancer, allowing doctors to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps during the same procedure. If polyps aren’t found, you may not need another colonoscopy for about 10 years. If your doctor does find and remove polyps, they may recommend that you get more frequent screenings.
Depending on your age and level of risk, your doctor may determine you’re eligible for an at-home screening method called a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detects hidden blood in the stool. The testing kit includes the tools that you’ll need to collect and mail samples of your stool to a lab.
If results are positive, your doctor will likely recommend additional testing such as a colonoscopy. If results come back negative, your doctor will most likely recommend that you repeat the test once per year.
Although the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, the number of adults younger than 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer goes up every year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Additional risk factors include:
- Family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Smoking
If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk with your doctor about when it’s best to start regular colorectal screenings.
One of the things that makes cancer so alarming 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% preventable.
So why is it still the second-leading cause of cancer deaths? One reason could be that people 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 may greatly reduce your risk of developing this life-threatening cancer:
- Take 30 minutes a day to exercise
- Take a closer look at what you eat
- Take a shot at quitting smoking
- Take your doctor's advice about screenings
Read more about the four effective methods that can help prevent colorectal cancer.
Find a Doctor
At Colorectal Cancer Screening, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Providence Digestive Health Institute of Oregon
We're transforming digestive health care
The Providence Digestive Health Institute offers leading treatment for conditions and diseases of the digestive tract in Oregon. We are committed to making a positive difference in every life we touch. Our patients are at the center of everything we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a referral from your primary care doctor is required before we can schedule the procedure. Once you have a referral, we’ll help you find a convenient day and time for your appointment.
Since a polyp can be as small as a millimeter, following your doctor’s food and drink guidelines is very important.
- Bowel preparation: To get a clear visual of any potential polyps, your digestive tract and bowels need to be cleared. Your doctor will prescribe you some medicine to ingest prior to the colonoscopy.
- Dietary adjustments: Your doctor may recommend a specific diet or to minimize certain foods before the procedure.
- Medication changes: You may need to stop using some medications for weight loss, iron, blood thinners and diabetes, as well as supplements prior to your colonoscopy. Consult with your doctor about both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication you’re taking.
Most importantly, follow any instructions your doctor gives you, so you don’t need to reschedule and prep all over again. If you have any questions, call the clinic where your colonoscopy is scheduled.
A colonoscopy is typically a quick and painless procedure. We have steps in place to keep you comfortable and safe.
- Monitoring: Throughout the procedure your vital signs will be monitored.
- Polyp removal and/or biopsy: If any polyps are found during the colonoscopy, they’ll be removed. Samples of any abnormalities will be taken to conduct a biopsy.
- Positioning: You’ll lie on your side with your knees bent.
- Scope insertion: A colonoscope, a thin flexible tube that has a light and a camera, will be inserted into your rectum and used to view your colon.
- Sedation: You’ll be sedated to help ease any discomfort you might feel and to help you relax.
If you have a colonoscopy scheduled, here are factors to keep in mind before your appointment:
- Follow-up care: Your doctor may want to schedule a follow-up appointment or additional screenings. If you had any biopsies taken, the results can take several days.
- Gas and bloating: It’s typical to experience bloating, gas or minimal cramping following a colonoscopy. These side effects will typically disappear after a few hours.
- Grogginess: You’ll be given a sedative for your procedure, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Someone must drive you to and from your appointment. The grogginess will wear off as you recover throughout the day.
- Reduced diet: Your doctor may suggest that you ease into your regular diet and start with some lighter meals following your procedure.
Cancer doesn’t always have recognizable symptoms when it’s just beginning – and that’s when it’s easiest to treat.
Colon cancer symptoms could potentially include:
- Pain when using the bathroom
- Rectal bleeding, the most common symptom
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained constipation or other changes in bowel habits
Speak with your primary care provider for more information on colorectal cancer screenings. Make sure they’re aware of any family history of colorectal cancer.
And if it's time for your first – or next – colonoscopy, don't put it off. It could save your life!
Yes, symptoms for colorectal cancer may not appear until the disease is more advanced.
It’s recommended to get regular colonoscopy screenings beginning at age 45 if you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer – even if you don’t have any symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your medical and family history to determine if you have additional risk factors to consider.
Colonoscopies may have a bad reputation, but you’ll be given medication that helps you sleep and minimizes your discomfort during the procedure. Although the procedure is unpleasant, the preparation has gotten easier as experts have refined the process over time.
In addition to colonoscopies, several screening options are available, including a take-home option known as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
Both screening options can detect precancerous polyps in the colon. No matter which screening option you have, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations afterward:
- If you have a positive FIT test, you’ll need to follow up and get a colonoscopy.
- If you have a colonoscopy and the doctor removes polyps, you'll need to return for follow-up colonoscopies on a regular schedule.
A colonoscopy is a generally safe diagnostic procedure. Despite the unlikelihood of a complication occurring, the procedure does carry certain risks.
These risks could potentially include:
- Bleeding, should a biopsy or polyp removal occur
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Rectal irritation
If no polyps were found during your screening and you’re at average risk, you may not need another colonoscopy for 10 years. If your doctor does find and remove any polyps, or you have certain risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer, they may recommend you get more frequent screenings.
Most insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screenings. Since coverage and plans can vary, it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider directly before scheduling a visit.
At Providence, you’ll find the treatment and support you need. Our skilled team members will outline your treatment options and connect you with many helpful resources.
Resources:
- Take a closer look at the Providence Colorectal Cancer Program
- Learn more about colorectal cancer
- Explore more about colon cancer screenings, therapies and clinical trials
- Read about rectal cancer diagnostic services, surgery and treatment options
- Are polyps cancer?
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives
Get the facts, risk factors and screening options. Download an infographic to learn more.