Colorectal cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. Colorectal cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancer over time. Polyps often don't cause symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.
Schedule a colorectal cancer screening by contacting your primary care physician.
Who should consider this screening
- Recommended for men and women 45 to 75 years of age. Adults 75+ should talk to their healthcare provider about screening.
- People at an increased risk of getting colorectal cancer should talk to their healthcare provider about when to begin screening, which test is right for them and how often to get tested.
About this screening
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. However, if it is caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.
- A colonoscopy is a screening test for colorectal cancer.
- It allows the surgeon to remove any polyps during the procedure before they become cancerous, making it one of the only screening tests to prevent colon cancer.
Scheduling a screening
If you have a primary care provider, schedule an appointment with them. If you need to establish care with a primary care provider, click here to view all of our PCPs currently accepting new patients.
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