If you feel healthy, it’s easy to think colorectal cancer screening can wait; Many people do. But the truth is, screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer or find it early, when it’s easiest to treat. A colonoscopy, the gold standard of colorectal cancer screenings, is also one of the few cancer screenings that can help prevent cancer. Gastroenterologists can remove polyps during screening that could later lead to cancer.
Let’s clear up some common myths that keep people from getting screened and share the facts that can help you protect your health.
Myth #1: I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need screening.
Fact
When colorectal cancer is in the early stages, it often doesn’t present symptoms.
That’s why colorectal cancer screening matters. It can catch cancer early — or even stop it before it starts — long before you ever feel sick.
Myth #2: Colon cancer only affects men.
Fact
Colon cancer affects both men and women.
If you’re 45 or older, screening is recommended for average-risk adults, regardless of gender.
Myth #3: I’m too young to worry about colorectal cancer.
Fact
Screening now begins at age 45.
Doctors are seeing more cases of colon cancer in younger adults, which makes timely screening more important than ever. Patients who are at a high risk of developing colon cancer due to family history, certain health conditions or gene mutations, and previous cancer cases, may need to begin colorectal cancer screening earlier.
Myth #4: Screening is painful or embarrassing.
Fact
Colon cancer screening is routine, private and safe.
Many patients say the test was much easier than they expected. It’s normal to feel nervous — a lot of people do — but putting it off can cost you peace of mind later.
Your care team is trained to make you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Myth #5: A colonoscopy is the only screening option.
Fact
There are multiple colorectal cancer screening options available.
Your provider can help you choose the option that’s right for you based on your health history, risk factors and preferences. But as mentioned earlier, a colonoscopy is the gold standard. Karmanos Cancer Institute gastrointestinal oncology physicians recommend to receive routine colonoscopies, and if you want to use alternative screenings in between your routine colonoscopies, you may.
Myth #6: If there’s no family history, I don’t need screening.
Fact
Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have a family history.
Even without known risk factors, screening plays a key role in colon cancer prevention.
The Bottom Line
Colorectal cancer screenings save lives. When colon cancer is found early, it’s highly treatable — and in some cases, preventable altogether.
If you’re 45 or older, or have risk factors, talk with your provider about colorectal cancer screening options. A simple test could make a life-saving difference.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Colonoscopies require a referral to a gastroenterologist. If you don’t have a primary care physician, McLaren Health Care has doctors accepting new patients throughout the state. Visit mclaren.org/primarycare to find a provider.
If you’re near Detroit, Dearborn, Farmington Hills, or Roseville, you can schedule your screening through Karmanos Cancer Institute by calling 1-800-KARMANOS or visiting karmanos.org/colonscreening.