A Conversation Worth Having: Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer typically starts as polyps, which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Not all polyps become cancerous but removing them as soon as they are found is an effective way to prevent cancer from developing.
How can I lower my risk?
There are some factors outside your control that can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These are factors like your family history of cancer and your age. In Alberta, 90% of colorectal cancer cases are found in people aged 50 and older.1
The good news is that some risk factors are related to lifestyle habits within your control, and taking steps to change these habits can also benefit your overall health. Some of these steps include:
- Leading an active lifestyle
- Eating nutritious and fibre-rich foods
- Stopping tobacco use and limiting alcohol intake
- Talking to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening
You don’t need to take these steps alone – The team of health professionals at your PCN can support you to make lifestyle changes that are right for you.
Why should I get screened?
The reason is simple: colorectal cancer is easiest to treat when it is caught early. In fact, when detected and treated in its early stages, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer can be as high as 93%.2 However, there are often no symptoms in the early stages when it is easiest to treat. This is what makes regular screening so important – it’s one of the best ways to catch cancer when it is most treatable.
Your primary care provider can help you choose the screening option that is best for you, based on your personal medical history and risk factors. Two common screening tools they might discuss with you are:
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Kit: a stool test that checks for blood that you cannot see. This is a test kit with easy-to-follow instructions that you can do yourself, in the privacy of your own bathroom. This screening is typically recommended for people aged 50-74 with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer. You can get a requisition for a FIT Kit from your primary care provider, or you can order one online, but you may still need an appointment with your care provider to discuss follow-up testing. You can learn more about FIT Kits on the Screening for Life website.
Colonoscopy: a test performed by a physician using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a scope to check for abnormal growths or polyps. Small polyps can often be removed during this test and checked for cancer at a lab.
Find Support
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or are between the ages of 50-74, now’s a great time to talk with your primary care provider about your screening options.
If you are thinking about making lifestyle changes to lower your risk for colorectal cancer, health professionals at your PCN are here to help you take that step. Talk to your primary care provider to find out more about the PCN programs and services available in your area.
Sources:
Note: the five-year survival stat is found by navigating to the Stage & Survival menu and filtering by colorectal cancer.