CDC Features

CDC Features

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If everyone aged 50 years old or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Get the Facts

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.

Reducing Your Risk

Photo: A man and woman walking Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at risk for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines.

It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Some studies show that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer.

Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, but medical experts recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.

In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain medications and supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium, in preventing colorectal cancer. While these supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, the most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.

When Should You Begin to Get Screened?

You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if:

You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or
You have inflammatory bowel disease.

If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they reach 75 years old and for some people when they are older than 75. If you are in this age group, ask your doctor if you should be screened.

What Are the Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer?

Photo: A man and woman talking with a healthcare professional Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. These screening tests are recommended by the USPSTF:

Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every year)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

In addition to these tests, some groups also recommend the double contrast barium enema as a screening test (every 5 years). Other tests are being evaluated and may be recommended by the USPSTF for use in colorectal cancer screening in the future, including CT colonography (also known as “virtual colonoscopy”) and stool DNA testing.