Screening helps find colorectal cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to improving colorectal cancer outcomes through cutting-edge research, identifying new ways to prevent cancer in people with increased risk. Our Integrated Center for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer is one of the few centers in the country focused on the needs of young people diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 50.
You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by maintaining healthy habits and following recommended screening guidelines.
Screening Recommendations
Huntsman Cancer Institute recommends that adults of average risk should start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45.
People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through age 75.
For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.
People over age 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screenings.
Some factors may increase your risk of colorectal cancer and require starting screening earlier than age 45.
Know Your Risk
Talk with your health care provider about colorectal cancer screening options if ANY of the following are true:
- You are age 45 or older.
- You have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
- You experience inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
- You have a confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC).
- You have a personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.
Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings
There are several ways to be screened for colorectal cancer.
Huntsman Cancer Institute recommends colonoscopy and FIT testing as effective screening options for most adults at average risk for colorectal cancer. Additional screening options may be available based on your individual needs and preferences.
If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
Talk with your provider about what screening option is best for you.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses a camera to look for growths inside your colon. You do this screening at a clinic or hospital.
At-Home Screening
A fecal immunochemical test (fit) kit looks for blood in your stool (poop). You do this test at home. If you have a positive FIT test at home, this requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health are committed to helping those who have low incomes and limited or no insurance coverage gain access to timely, lifesaving cancer screenings. Learn if you qualify for a free screening.
Signs & Symptoms
These could be signs of colorectal cancer. If you feel or notice any of these things, talk to your doctor as soon as possible
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Feeling very tired
- Vomiting
How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
