March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making it an excellent opportunity to dispel some common myths people hold about colon and rectal cancer.
Myth 1: If I don't have symptoms, I don't need to be screened.
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening crucial for your health. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all men and women aged 45-75 should have regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Individuals with a personal or family history of polyps, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or rectal bleeding will need screening before age 45. Additionally, women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer may also require earlier screenings. Consult your primary care provider to determine the best age to start screening.
Myth 2: There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer.
Not true! You can lower your risk of colon cancer in several ways. Getting regular colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 is the most effective way to reduce your risk. Most colon cancers begin as non-cancerous polyps, which can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer. Different methods exist for colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopy, Cologuard, and the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). Discuss with your primary care provider which option is best for you. Increasing physical activity and following a diet low in animal fats while high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may also help decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.
Myth 3: I don’t have to worry about colon cancer if I am under age 50.
The rates of colorectal cancer among adults under 50 have actually risen substantially since the mid-1990s. This prompted a change in national cancer screening guidelines, which now recommend that individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 rather than the previously recommended 50. Learn more about the early warning signs of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
Myth 4: Colorectal cancer is almost always fatal.
Colorectal cancer has a high cure rate if detected early. In fact, over 90% of patients with colorectal cancer confined to the colon or rectum are alive at least five years after diagnosis, according to the National Cancer Institute. If the disease spreads beyond the wall of the colon or rectum, it becomes harder to treat successfully. This underscores the importance of early detection.
Myth 5: Health insurance doesn’t pay for colorectal cancer screening.
Most health plans cover colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopies. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that both private insurers and Medicare cover the costs of these screening tests. As a result, colorectal screening has become more accessible to everyone.
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related fatalities in the United States. Despite this, it is a preventable cancer with timely screenings. Therefore, you shouldn’t overlook your colorectal cancer screening when it’s due! Read more information on the development of colorectal cancer.
