Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why screening saves lives & how to get tested
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why screening saves lives & how to get tested
Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why Screening Saves Lives & How to Get Tested
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable but also one of the deadliest cancers in the U.S. Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed—but many cases could have been found earlier or even prevented with regular screening. If you or someone you love hasn’t been screened yet, now is the time to do it.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Important
Colorectal cancer usually starts without symptoms. That means by the time you feel something is wrong, the cancer may have already grown. Getting screened helps find and prevent colorectal cancer early.
- Finding cancer early saves lives – Screening can find small growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer.
- Treatment is easier when found early – Colorectal cancer is much easier to treat in early stages.
- Some people have a higher risk – If you are 50 or older, have a family history, or have certain health conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease), your risk is higher. (American Cancer Society: cancer.org)
- 💡 What to do: If you’re 45 or older, talk to your provider about screening. If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you may need to start sooner.
Your Screening Options
There are different ways to get screened for colorectal cancer. Not all of them require a colonoscopy. Here are the main options:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years) – This is the best test for finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
- At-home stool tests (every 1-3 years) – Tests like FIT and Cologuard check for hidden blood or DNA changes. (CDC: cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal)
- Ask your provider: If you’re overdue for screening, they can help you choose the best test for you.
Common Reasons People Skip Screening—and How to Overcome Them
Some people avoid getting screened because they are worried or unsure. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
- "I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need screening." – Colorectal cancer often has NO symptoms in the early stages. Screening finds it before it’s too late.
- "Colonoscopy prep is too difficult." – The prep drinks have improved, and there are other test options if a colonoscopy isn’t for you. (Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org)
- "I don’t have time." – Many at-home tests are quick and easy. Plus, many insurance plans cover screening with little or no cost to you.
- 💡 Solution: Ask your provider about options that fit your schedule, like at-home tests or weekend appointments.
Healthy Habits That Lower Your Risk
Getting screened is key, but you can also lower your risk of colorectal cancer with healthy choices:
- Eat more fiber – Fruits, veggies, and whole grains help keep your digestive system healthy.
- Move your body – Regular exercise helps with digestion and lowers cancer risk.
- Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol – Both increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research: aicr.org)
- 💡 Try this: Swap processed meats for plant-based proteins, drink more water, and take a daily walk to improve your health.
Final Thought
Colorectal cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent, but only if you get screened. Many people wait too long—don’t let that be you.
📌 Need help finding a screening option? Talk to your Scene health coach or visit cancer.gov to learn more about getting tested and staying healthy.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why screening saves lives & how to get tested
Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why Screening Saves Lives & How to Get Tested
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable but also one of the deadliest cancers in the U.S. Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed—but many cases could have been found earlier or even prevented with regular screening. If you or someone you love hasn’t been screened yet, now is the time to do it.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Important
Colorectal cancer usually starts without symptoms. That means by the time you feel something is wrong, the cancer may have already grown. Getting screened helps find and prevent colorectal cancer early.
- Finding cancer early saves lives – Screening can find small growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer.
- Treatment is easier when found early – Colorectal cancer is much easier to treat in early stages.
- Some people have a higher risk – If you are 50 or older, have a family history, or have certain health conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease), your risk is higher. (American Cancer Society: cancer.org)
- 💡 What to do: If you’re 45 or older, talk to your provider about screening. If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you may need to start sooner.
Your Screening Options
There are different ways to get screened for colorectal cancer. Not all of them require a colonoscopy. Here are the main options:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years) – This is the best test for finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
- At-home stool tests (every 1-3 years) – Tests like FIT and Cologuard check for hidden blood or DNA changes. (CDC: cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal)
- Ask your provider: If you’re overdue for screening, they can help you choose the best test for you.
Common Reasons People Skip Screening—and How to Overcome Them
Some people avoid getting screened because they are worried or unsure. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
- "I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need screening." – Colorectal cancer often has NO symptoms in the early stages. Screening finds it before it’s too late.
- "Colonoscopy prep is too difficult." – The prep drinks have improved, and there are other test options if a colonoscopy isn’t for you. (Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org)
- "I don’t have time." – Many at-home tests are quick and easy. Plus, many insurance plans cover screening with little or no cost to you.
- 💡 Solution: Ask your provider about options that fit your schedule, like at-home tests or weekend appointments.
Healthy Habits That Lower Your Risk
Getting screened is key, but you can also lower your risk of colorectal cancer with healthy choices:
- Eat more fiber – Fruits, veggies, and whole grains help keep your digestive system healthy.
- Move your body – Regular exercise helps with digestion and lowers cancer risk.
- Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol – Both increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research: aicr.org)
- 💡 Try this: Swap processed meats for plant-based proteins, drink more water, and take a daily walk to improve your health.
Final Thought
Colorectal cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent, but only if you get screened. Many people wait too long—don’t let that be you.
📌 Need help finding a screening option? Talk to your Scene health coach or visit cancer.gov to learn more about getting tested and staying healthy.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why Screening Saves Lives & How to Get Tested
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable but also one of the deadliest cancers in the U.S. Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed—but many cases could have been found earlier or even prevented with regular screening. If you or someone you love hasn’t been screened yet, now is the time to do it.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Important
Colorectal cancer usually starts without symptoms. That means by the time you feel something is wrong, the cancer may have already grown. Getting screened helps find and prevent colorectal cancer early.
- Finding cancer early saves lives – Screening can find small growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer.
- Treatment is easier when found early – Colorectal cancer is much easier to treat in early stages.
- Some people have a higher risk – If you are 50 or older, have a family history, or have certain health conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease), your risk is higher. (American Cancer Society: cancer.org)
- 💡 What to do: If you’re 45 or older, talk to your provider about screening. If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you may need to start sooner.
Your Screening Options
There are different ways to get screened for colorectal cancer. Not all of them require a colonoscopy. Here are the main options:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years) – This is the best test for finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
- At-home stool tests (every 1-3 years) – Tests like FIT and Cologuard check for hidden blood or DNA changes. (CDC: cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal)
- Ask your provider: If you’re overdue for screening, they can help you choose the best test for you.
Common Reasons People Skip Screening—and How to Overcome Them
Some people avoid getting screened because they are worried or unsure. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:
- "I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need screening." – Colorectal cancer often has NO symptoms in the early stages. Screening finds it before it’s too late.
- "Colonoscopy prep is too difficult." – The prep drinks have improved, and there are other test options if a colonoscopy isn’t for you. (Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org)
- "I don’t have time." – Many at-home tests are quick and easy. Plus, many insurance plans cover screening with little or no cost to you.
- 💡 Solution: Ask your provider about options that fit your schedule, like at-home tests or weekend appointments.
Healthy Habits That Lower Your Risk
Getting screened is key, but you can also lower your risk of colorectal cancer with healthy choices:
- Eat more fiber – Fruits, veggies, and whole grains help keep your digestive system healthy.
- Move your body – Regular exercise helps with digestion and lowers cancer risk.
- Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol – Both increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research: aicr.org)
- 💡 Try this: Swap processed meats for plant-based proteins, drink more water, and take a daily walk to improve your health.
Final Thought
Colorectal cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent, but only if you get screened. Many people wait too long—don’t let that be you.
📌 Need help finding a screening option? Talk to your Scene health coach or visit cancer.gov to learn more about getting tested and staying healthy.
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